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SRCS Updates (Jan.): News from around the District f...
Reminder: Open Board Seat for Area 2; Application Due Feb. 6 SRCS has launched a provisional appointment process to fill an open seat on its Board of Education. Candidates must reside in SRCS Trustee Area 2 . Applications are due on Feb. 6 at 4 pm. Public interviews of candidates will take place at a Special Board Meeting on Feb. 10 at 4 pm. View the application | View the trustee area map | Learn more Response to Tragic Fires Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. We are heartbroken for the school communities that are in the fire zones, and also recognize that many of us have family and friends in the affected areas. Below are a few of many options if you are interested and able to support the ongoing relief efforts. We've also included some helpful tips for parents and educators for talking with children about disaster and wildfires. Lastly, we've shared some reminders about local emergency preparedness. Donation Opportunities The California Department of Education has partnered with the nonprofit SupplyBank.org to collect and distribute donations and resources to school communities that are facing the most significant impacts of the wildfires. The American Red Cross is accepting donations online. The California Fire Foundation is taking donations to provide aid and resources for both fire crews and residents. The National PTA has a Disaster Relief Fund to respond to tragedies that disrupt students' lives and their education. The California School Employees Association offers an Assistance Fund for members who need emergency assistance. The California Teachers Association provides members with assistance through the Disaster Relief Fund. The California Federation of Teachers provides a Disaster Relief Fund for members. Resources for Discussions about Disasters Supporting Children After Natural Disasters , National Association of School Psychologists Helping Children After a Wildfire , National Association of School Psychologists Marin Emergency Preparedness Ready Marin has helpful resources, including guidance on preparing a plan and putting together a Go Bag. Find tips and resources to protect your family and home at FireSafeMarin . Sign up for AlertMarin to receive local emergency alerts. Stay updated during emergencies with Marin's Public Emergency Portal . Check that SRCS has your current contact information, such as cell number and emergency contacts, in Aeries [ TK-8th Gr. Portal | 9-12th Gr. Portal ]. This information is under Student Info/Contacts. SRCS Students Recognized at Heart of Marin Awards Earlier this month, the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership held their annual Heart of Marin celebration. The ceremony was attended by over 500 attendees from the Marin nonprofit, government and business communities. In the category of "Youth Volunteer of the Year," we are proud that Terra Linda High School students Jaquelyn Barrios, Annie Carmona, Candice Lucas and Adriana Martinez were nominated for their work with local non profits and Candice ( pictured right ) went on to be recognized as an award recipient for her volunteer efforts with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. Special thanks to San Rafael High School students Jack McCall and Catherine Tzul Gonzalez for serving on the review committee and presenting the awards. We're also thrilled that Michelene Moayedi, our HeadsUp Executive Director, was nominated in the "Excellence in Leadership" area! TK and Kindergarten Enrollment Enrollment is underway for new Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten students for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. The information below may be helpful for your own family if you have younger children, or to share with neighbors and friends. TK Eligibility (expanded!) : Children who will be FOUR-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2025. Kindergarten Eligibility: Children who will be FIVE-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2025. Note that current TK students DO NOT need to re-enroll for kindergarten. Registration: You can start the process online . Families can also visit the Student Enrollment & Family Center (District Office, 310 Nova Albion Way). Dual Language Program: Our thriving Dual Language Program will continue to grow at Venetia Valley School, and we're now enrolling new TK and Kindergarten students. Informational Sessions: Are you, or do you know a local family, who is interested in learning more about TK or Kindergarten? The District is hosting sessions for parents who are considering TK or Kindergarten for their child. Open to All Interested SRCS Families At Bahia Vista Elementary School Wednesday, Feb. 5, 6 - 7 pm Presented in Spanish with English interpretation At Coleman Elementary School Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6 - 7 pm Presented in English with Spanish interpretation District and school leaders, along with teachers, will share information and answer questions about our programs, what the typical school day entails, our Dual Language Program, aftercare opportunities, how to enroll and more. Learn more: View this flyer or contact the Student Enrollment & Family Center: 415-492-3236, srcs.org/tk-k-enrollment , 310 Nova Albion Way Construction Highlights Capital projects and improvements across our District continue to progress thanks to our Bond Program! Here are some quick updates: We are continuing with construction on new TK classroom buildings at Coleman, Glenwood, Sun Valley and Venetia Valley with anticipated completion in May 2025. This month, the newly-installed TK play structure at Glenwood opened ( pictured right )! The final touches for the Venetia Valley Middle School Quad were completed over the Winter Break, and students are enjoying this new common space. For the Davidson MPR, the Division of the State Architect reviews issued final approvals, and now construction of Phase 2 can begin. At SRHS and TLHS, construction is ongoing for the PE complex and Aquatic Centers projects. Learn more: SRHS | TLHS . The TLHS Wellness Center is scheduled to open in the next few months. Summer 2025 Construction This summer, every school in our District will have some level of construction except for Laurel Dell and the Early Learning Center. Below is a quick review of the summer projects. Note that not all projects will be complete after the summer; many of the larger projects will be ongoing: Bahia Vista: New TK Playground and all-weather field Coleman: New K Playground, upper grade play yard improvements and MPR acoustics improvements Davidson: New MPR, all-weather field and kiln room Glenwood: New HVAC (phase 1), electrical main service upgrade, fire alarm and data cabling San Pedro: New HVAC, fire alarm and all-weather field Sun Valley: New HVAC Venetia Valley: Kindergarten classroom modernization and landscape improvements SRHS: PE complex and Aquatic Center, new fire alarm, LA Building HVAC and new roof and Music Building new roof Madrone: New fire alarm TLHS: PE complex and Aquatic Center, new fire alarm, new fence and gates, new toilets and main building and administration new roof District Office: Modernization of Enrollment and Payroll offices, new roof New Year's Attendance Resolutions As we return from the Winter Break, we are maintaining our focus on the importance of school attendance and we want to start 2025 on a high note! Here are some possible New Year's Attendance Resolutions for your family to consider: Be consistent - Set a routine for your child with a regular bedtime schedule. Use alarm clocks and have all the items you need for the day prepared. Be organized - Avoid booking medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session. Be direct - Talk to your child about the importance of being at school on time, everyday. Be mindful - Track and monitor days your child misses school. Work with your school to improve attendance. Take notice of positive steps! Be healthy - Keep your child active and ensure they have plenty of rest so they are refreshed, recharged and ready to learn! Board Resolutions The SRCS Board of Education adopted the following resolutions at their recent meetings: Supporting and Recognizing Black History Month, Feb. 2025 Proclaiming 1/20/25 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Proclaiming 1/27/25 International Holocaust Remembrance Day Monthly Tech Tips: Setting Healthy Gaming Habits Gaming can be a fun way for kids to connect with others, be creative and learn . If you're trying to make sense of the games your children are into, you can start with Common Sense's extensive guides on Roblox , Minecraft and Fortnite . It's a good idea to set kids up for positive experiences by talking with them about safe online behavior and the importance of privacy. You can also have check-ins about the amount of time they spend gaming and help them set healthy limits. Eyes Up Marin – Watch for Pedestrians At this time of year, it’s especially important to watch out for people walking and rolling. Slow down and use caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or in bad weather. Be prepared to stop when turning, entering a crosswalk, driveway or intersection. Children can be unpredictable. Go slowly and be on the lookout along school routes and intersections. Let’s protect our most vulnerable road users. Remember: Eyes Up! San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 9490
Friday, Jan 17 2025
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Open Seat on SRCS Board of Education, Trustee Area 2...
Open Seat on SRCS Board of Education, Trustee Area 2 Application Available to Fill Seat San Rafael City Schools has launched a provisional appointment process to fill an open seat on its Board of Education. The open seat was created when Lucia Martel-Dow submitted her resignation from the Board effective Dec. 17, 2024. SRCS is grateful for her distinguished service and leadership during her four-year tenure on the Board. Ms. Martel-Dow was elected to a four-year term in 2022 to represent Trustee Area 2 ; therefore anyone who applies to fill her vacant seat for the remainder of that term must reside in area 2 in addition to the qualifications outlined below . Learn more about trustee-area elections and view a map of the areas. SRCS is now seeking qualified applicants to fill the open Board seat. Click here to view the application or call 415-492-3233 to arrange to pick-up an application. Applications are due by Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 at 4 pm. The qualifications for the open seat include: 18 years of age or older A citizen of the state of California A resident of the SRCS Trustee Area 2 A registered voter Not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state to hold a civil office Additionally, please find some important details below: Applications [ linked here ] with an attached resume must be received by the Office of the Superintendent no later than 4 pm on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 . Applications may be submitted electronically to superintendent@srcs.org or mailed or hand delivered to the Superintendent’s Office at 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903. Public interviews of candidates will take place at a Special Board Meeting on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 at 4 pm. The four current Board members will interview candidates who submit completed applications by the deadline. At the close of interviews, the Board members will deliberate and select the successful candidate during the Special Meeting. During the Feb. 10, 2025 Regular Meeting that immediately follows, the successful candidate will be sworn into office. Note that candidates will have the opportunity to schedule an informational meeting with Superintendent Diaz Ghysels to discuss roles and responsibilities prior to the interviews. The appointee will hold office until the next Board of Education election for Trustee Area 2, which occurs at the next General Election in November 2026. School Board members are local public officials governing the community’s public schools. They set the direction for the schools and establish the structure to support district operations. Board meetings for San Rafael City Schools are typically held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month; Closed Session usually begins at 5 pm and Open Session begins at 6 pm. Learn more about Board meetings. Candidates are encouraged to contact 415-492-3233 or superintendent@srcs.org if they have any questions. San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way San Rafael, CA 94903
Tuesday, Jan 07 2025
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SRCS Updates (Dec.): News from around the District f...
Letter from the Superintendent During this season of gratitude, I want to express my sincere appreciation to our greater SRCS community. The holiday season reminds us that our shared commitment to the well-being and success of all our students unites us. I am deeply grateful to our dedicated educators, staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to create positive learning environments for our students. Your commitment to excellence and the well-being of our community does not go unnoticed. To our students, may the joy of learning and the excitement of discovery continue to inspire you. Your potential is boundless, and I am confident you will continue to achieve great things in the coming New Year. To our families, thank you for your continued support and partnership. Your involvement in the education and growth of our students is invaluable, and together, we can create a brighter future for the next generation. With warm regards, Carmen Diaz Ghysels Superintendent Board of Education Updates Board Member Martel-Dow Steps Down; Open Seat for Area 2 At the Dec. 16 Board meeting, Lucia Martel-Dow announced her resignation from her position as a member of the San Rafael City Schools Board of Education. SRCS is grateful for her distinguished service and leadership during her four-year tenure on the Board. To begin the process of filling the open seat, the Board will hold a special meeting on Monday, Jan. 6 at 5:30 pm. At that time, the Board will consider the options of 1) conducting a provisional appointment process or 2) ordering a special election. A follow-up District communication will be sent following the Jan. 6 special meeting to share further details and next steps. Ms. Martel-Dow was elected to a four-year term in 2022 to represent Trustee Area 2 ; therefore anyone who fills her vacant seat for the remainder of that term must reside in Area 2. Learn more about our trustee-areas and view a map of the areas . Swearing In Ceremony Welcome, Isai Rodas! Mr. Rodas joins our Board of Education to represent Trustee Area 5 . Marina Palma previously represented Area 5, and she chose not to seek re-election following the end of her term. We are grateful for her service and commitment to our students and families! Incumbents Mark Koerner ( Area 1 ) and Maureen "Mo" de Nieva-Marsh ( Area 3 ) are also beginning four-year terms. The three were appointed in lieu of the election to Board of Education as they were unopposed candidates in the Nov. 2024 election. They were sworn into office at Monday's Board meeting by Brenna Nurmi, Deputy City Clerk of the City Council of the City of San Rafael. New Board Officers As part of their annual reorganization, the Board selected their officers for 2025: Carolina Martín was elected Board President and Mark Koerner was elected Board Vice President. Every Day Counts: Attendance During Cold and Flu Season Showing up to school every day is critical for children’s well-being, engagement and learning. During this time of year, we also recognize that sometimes students are too ill to attend school. Please send your child to school if they are generally healthy and well. In general, children should stay home if they have the following symptoms: A fever of 100.4°F or higher Vomiting two or more times in 24 hours Diarrhea Review the California Department of Public Health's flyer with recommendations and details on when to keep your child home and when they can return: English | Spanish Be sure to contact a health care provider if your child needs medical care. Note that in most situations, a health-care provider’s note is not needed to return. TK-5 Report Cards Students in grades TK-5 will take home report cards on Friday, Dec. 20 for the first semester. Report cards are a wonderful way to capture your child’s learning thus far in the school year. As we are part way through the school year, there will be things that have not yet been taught and/or that students are not expected to have mastered at this point. Please reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions. First Interim Budget Reports Like all California school districts, SRCS prepares and presents its first interim budget reports to detail our fiscal solvency and provide a snapshot on our revenues and expenditures. At its Dec. 16 meeting, the SRCS Board approved reports for our Elementary School District (grades TK-8) and High School District (grades 9-12). View the presentation | View the ESD files | View the HSD files While the District budgets are complex and require a deep dive to fully understand, here are a few highlights: The First Interim is designed to show the connections to the Budget Adoption from this past June The District made difficult decisions related to budget reductions last spring; these steps have improved our budget situation and the impact is evident in the First Interim report. In wrapping up the actual expenditures from the 2023-24 school year, the beginning fund balance for 2024-25 was positively impacted. Student attendance rates have improved, which increases our state revenue as well as student achievement. Let's keep it up! The First Interim also forecasts our reserves and multi-year projections Elementary District - Healthy reserve at 14.6%, but trending down in the out years High School District - Lower reserves at 4.9%, and trending down in the out years Given the current status and that the Board has a goal to have reserves at 17%, any additional spending the District takes on should be commensurate with reductions. The State sets an annual cost of living adjustment (COLA), which directly impacts how much funding we receive per student. At this time, the 2025-26 projected COLA of 2.93% is questionable and could be more like 2.0%, impacting our revenue growth. Our final COVID-related grants are sunsetting; reductions will need to be made to the budget for the 2026-27 school year. Our Budget Advisory Committee meetings are a great opportunity to further discuss the financial operations of our district. Learn more and sign up for the committee. Incoming TK & Kindergarten Info Sessions Are you, or do you know a local family, who is interested in learning more about Transitional Kindergarten (TK) or Kindergarten at SRCS? The District is hosting Informational Sessions for parents who are considering TK or Kindergarten for their child for the 2025-26 school year. District and school leaders, along with teachers, will share information and answer questions about our TK and Kindergarten programs, what the typical school day entails, our Dual Language Program, aftercare opportunities, how to enroll and more. View the flyer. Open to all interested SRCS families At Bahia Vista Elementary School Wednesday, Feb. 5, 6 - 7 pm Presented in Spanish with English interpretation At Coleman Elementary School Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6 - 7 pm Presented in English with Spanish interpretation Wellness Support and Holiday Toolkit As Winter Break approaches, we invite you to take a moment to slow down, recharge and embrace the peace this season can bring. The holidays are often filled with joy and connection, but they can also bring challenges — whether it’s missing a loved one, juggling holiday preparations or managing the pressures of the season. While each of us celebrates in our own way, it’s important to acknowledge all feelings that may arise and remember it’s okay to ask for support. Here are some resources should you or someone you know need help: National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 Marin Mobile Crisis Unit: Call 415-473-6392 Additionally, SRCS partners with Care Solace as one way to support the wellbeing of our community. They have put together a Holiday Toolkit to help people unplug, reconnect and step into the new year with a healthy mindset. Inside, you’ll find goal-setting activities, mental health tips, grief resources for families, reflection sheets and self-care tips for teachers. Download the Holiday Toolkit: English | Spanish Whether you or a family member need support with mental health or substance use, Care Solace can connect you to care options that meet your needs—quickly, confidentially, and at no cost to you. How to access support: Call 888-515-0595 (Multilingual support available 24/7/365) Visit www.caresolace.com/srcs Winter Break Ideas for Elementary-Aged Students The Winter Break is often full of unexpected surprises for families and students, many of which are joyous and filled with loved ones. It is also a great time to continue a few “school” traditions, such as reading daily, writing (thank you letters, journaling fun experiences, etc.) and library visits with those new library cards. In the New Year, if possible, please take a few days to transition into a more typical school-year routine with bedtimes and more to prepare for the transition back to school on Jan. 7! Monthly Tech Tips: Managing Screen Use and Parental Controls With the holiday season upon us, many children may receive new devices, gadgets or games as gifts. Setting up and managing new tech in partnership with your child is a great way to communicate about use. Common Sense Media has resources as you consider setting a screen-use schedule and talking with your child about their tech habits . For those getting ready to buy their child their first phone, here is a video on some things to consider and ways to help them. Experts have shared that there's no magic number when it comes to how much time your kids spend on screens; what's important is the quality of the content, how it fits into your family's lifestyle and how your kids engage with it. Vigilant Parent Trainings on Youth Online Safety This coming January, the Marin County Office of Education will be hosting two Vigilant Parent Training opportunities, both of which emphasize best practices for keeping youth safe in online spaces. The first session on Jan. 14 will focus on social media how-tos, vault apps and exploitation, while the second session on Jan. 21 will focus on sexploitation, AI and deepfakes. Session 1 flyer | Session 2 flyer San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 9490
Thursday, Dec 19 2024
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SRCS Updates (Nov.): News from around the District f...
Letter from the Superintendent Dear SRCS Community, As we move through the month of November, a time when we reflect on gratitude, I want to share how thankful I feel to be a part of the SRCS community. Earlier this month, we experienced an important aspect of our democracy as votes were cast for leaders locally and nationally. We know that the months of election campaigning and the results have brought out a range of emotions and beliefs. We also recognize that there were intense and passionate messages, and many of our students, families and staff may feel especially stressed and uncertain about the potential impacts. I want to assure you that our primary focus remains on the well-being and education of our students. Our teachers and staff are committed to welcoming and educating every student in our district, regardless of language, socioeconomic background, immigration status, gender identity, religion or political beliefs. In SRCS, we strive to make our schools places where all students feel safe and included. Many of our students have had questions or wished to engage in post-election dialog, so I want to thank our educators who have fostered non-partisan, supportive environments for students to feel safe in expressing their opinions and hearing those of others. The importance of remaining civil and respectful of others’ perspectives and beliefs is a skill we want for all our students. We are fortunate that our SRCS community is comprised of people who truly care about and support one another. In addition to our dedicated teachers, we have school counselors, community liaisons, Family Centers, Wellness Centers and other trusted adults that support our students. Furthermore, we have many strong partnerships with local community agencies and groups that serve as a resource for our families. As a diverse community, we join together and uphold our SRCS values of equity, community and joy, and commit to making our District a place where all can thrive. Sincerely, Carmen Diaz Ghysels Superintendent Resources 2024 Election, Navigating Classroom Spaces , Marin County Office of Education 2024 Election and Potential Impacts, Immigration and Rights , Marin County Office of Education Supporting Students Amid Political Events: Tips for Families and Educators , National Association of School Psychologists 2025-26 School Year Student Calendar We're happy to share the SRCS calendar for TK-12 students for next school year. The first day of school for students will be August 20, 2025. View and download a PDF [ English | Spanish ]. Add to Google Calendar . Independent Study Regular school attendance results in improved academic skills, as well as social and emotional growth. If your child must be away from school for an extended amount of time, independent study may be an option. Short-term Independent Study Contracts are only approved by the District for travel up to 14 school days. Academics, attendance and behavior are strongly considered prior to approval. Contact your school principal at least two weeks prior to leaving to request an application. Classwork must be handed-in directly upon your child’s return to school. For more information, please read the District’s Independent Study Board Policy 6158 . TK and Kindergarten Enrollment Open for Next Year We have launched our annual enrollment season for our new Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten students for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. The information below may be helpful for your own family if you have younger children, or to share with neighbors and friends. TK Eligibility (expanded!): Children who will be four-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2025. TK is a high-quality early learning program the year before Kindergarten. Kindergarten Eligibility: Children who will be five-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2025. Note that current TK students DO NOT need to re-enroll for kindergarten. Registration : You can start the process online . In-person registration events at schools throughout the District will begin in January. Families can also visit the Student Enrollment & Family Center at the District Office, 310 Nova Albion Way. Dual Language Program: Our thriving Dual Language Program will continue to grow next school year at Venetia Valley School, and we're now enrolling new TK and Kindergarten students. Info sessions: Interested families from any school area are invited to attend our info sessions to learn more about our TK and kindergarten programs, have questions answered and register. The sessions are from 6 - 7 pm at Bahia Vista on Feb. 5 and Coleman on Feb. 11. Spanish interpretation available. Learn more: View this flyer or contact the Student Enrollment & Family Center: 415-492-3236, srcs.org/tk-k-enrollment , 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael. Quick School Highlights Here are some recent highlights from across this District: The Gymnastics Bus has started to visit the Early Learning Center at Short School as an enrichment opportunity for TK students there! This is an opportunity for students to practice their gross motor skills, listening, coordination and more all while having fun. Many of our elementary schools participated in " Start with Hello Week ," a week dedicated to making new social connections and creating a sense of belonging among youth. The program teaches the simple steps of: See Someone Alone, Reach Out and Help and Start With Hello! Davidson hosted their first Art Showcase for students, families and staff. Drawings and paintings were framed and ceramic sculptures, creative craft and knitting work were displayed for all to enjoy. San Rafael High School hosted the Davidson eighth graders for a school tour, including the annual Bell Game pep rally. Students visited classrooms and informational booths to learn about the programs and opportunities our high schools offer. Later that evening at the football game, the Terra Linda Trojans took home the Bell! Terra Linda High School is in the midst of their WASC review , an accreditation review that takes place every six years. As part of the process, goals are developed to guide the school; these goals were intentionally chosen to align with our District's LCAP goals, professional development plans and TLHS' Single Plan for Student Achievement. We have finalized our Transitional Kindergarten Mission and Vision [ English | Spanish ]. This is the culmination of input from parents and TK and kindergarten teachers and staff, and will serve as our guiding document. Youth in Arts hosted a Community Mural Day at Laurel Dell, inviting community members to help paint the mural designed by students in the after school program. We look forward to seeing the mural come to life in the next couple months. We have community liaisons present at the weekly Canal Health Hub led by Marin Community Clinics so families can receive support or to ask any questions. At Board meetings this fall, staff shared a series of presentations on our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), speaking to how our integrated, comprehensive framework is aligning academic, behavioral and social-emotional learning to support all students. View the slide decks: MTSS Framework Overview ; Community Schools ; MTSS: Social Emotional Supports & Services ; and the MTSS: Academic Referrals & Services presentation is scheduled for the Jan. 13 Board meeting. Board Resolutions The SRCS Board of Education adopted the following resolutions at their recent meetings: Recognizing Nov. 11, 2024 as Veterans Day Recognizing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Dec. 3, 2024 Monthly Tech Tips: Staying Safe Online Online life requires us to be aware of ways to be safe when it comes to scams. Spam is a type of cyber threat that involves unsolicited, unwanted and often irrelevant messages sent to a large number of people. Spam can be sent via email, text, social media or phone calls. Spam can be dangerous because it can include malicious links that can infect your computer with malware. Spammers use a variety of techniques to trick users into clicking on links, downloading files or providing sensitive information. Some common types of spam include: commercial ads; antivirus warnings; sweepstakes winners; money scams; phishing emails and more. Here are ways you can protect yourself and personal information: Family Tip Sheet: 4 Easy Ways to Stay Safe Online [ English | Spanish ] Video: We Can Secure Our World (student friendly) [ English | Spanish ] Let's Talk: The Teen Brain The next "Let's Talk" community discussion, set for Dec. 4 at 7 pm on Zoom, will focus on the teen brain. National expert panelists will join the session, which will also include a special screening of the 10-minute short film The Teen Brain . More information and the Zoom link . These discussions are part of the Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships program, a community partner and resource that focuses on reducing underage drinking and drug use so students can have the best outcomes both in and outside of school. Eyes Up Marin – Tip of the Month: Intersections Can Be Fatal When you drive up to an intersection, do you actively look for the most vulnerable on our streets? Here are some tips from our partners at Marin County Safe Routes to School: Before you turn, watch for people walking and rolling. They may be behind you! When turning left, your car should make the equivalent of a 90-degree angle. Before you make a right turn, watch for kids on bikes in both directions; check the sidewalks. Kids on sidewalks: stop at cross streets Always remember: Eyes Up! Learn more . San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 9490
Thursday, Nov 21 2024
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Invitacion a Nuestra Charla de DELAC - VIRTUALMENTE ...
DELAC (District English Learner Advisory Committee / Comité Distrital para Aprendices del Idioma Inglés) MEETING AGENDA Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024 Jueves 14 de noviembre de 2024 6 - 7 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 14 de noviembre 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. Enlace de Zoom: https://srcs-org.zoom.us/j/83200789526 La agenda está adjunta, y pueden encontrar los temas que se tratarán en el folleto a continuación. Tengan en cuenta que la reunión se llevará a cabo en español, con traducción al inglés disponible a solicitud. We are pleased to invite you to the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting this Thursday, November 14 at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held virtually, and you can join us using the Zoom link provided below. Zoom Link: https://srcs-org.zoom.us/j/83200789526 The agenda is attached, and you can find the topics we will cover in the flyer below. Please note that the meeting will be conducted in Spanish, with English translation available upon request.
Thursday, Nov 14 2024
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Scam Email Sent to SRCS Student Email Accounts
Scam Email Sent to SRCS Student Email Accounts Dear Families, Safety is a top priority for our SRCS online environments . We want to bring to your attention a scam email that may have been sent to your child’s SRCS email account yesterday. Yesterday late afternoon, it was reported that a phishing email that was promoting a "part time job opportunity" with an attachment was sent from an employee email account to many student email accounts. We’ve learned this was a part of an issue throughout the county. Our IT Services department took several steps to address and contain the situation, including immediately suspending the account in question, identifying the email and removing it from students' email accounts. This morning, schools also followed up with students about this email and to contact IT if they engaged with the attachment. SRCS has numerous safeguards and a process in place for all SRCS accounts when such emails enter our organization. B elow please find some helpful information and reminders regarding fraudulent emails and what you and your child can do. Phishing is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Attackers often pose as district or school leaders or other staff, and ask the individual to click on an attachment that is corrupt. It can be challenging to know if an email is safe, but a little skepticism goes a long way in protecting yourself. When reviewing an email, ask yourself: Do you recognize the sender’s email? Does the email seem questionable or unlike something you would normally get from this sender? Question the purpose of the email: Is there a financial request? Is the sender asking you to provide a password or access to a system? Are you being asked to click on a link or attachment? If a message seems questionable: Do not reply to the message or click on the links or attachments. Report the message as spam/phishing on the message itself from your inbox. Forward the email to IT Services (DOsupport@srcs.org) so we can look into it. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, SRCS IT Services it-services@srcs.org San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903 [Thursday, Oct 24 at 5:19 PM] Dear Families, We want to share some additional information as a follow up to our message about the scam email sent to SRCS email accounts. We have learned that some students clicked on a form linked in the email and shared some personal information. Here are some steps we recommend to protect yourself: - Please check with your child to see if they submitted a Google form from the "part time job opportunity" email and shared personal information, like a personal email. - If they did share information, please monitor that personal email and DO NOT respond or reply or DO NOT follow any further direction. We believe that this is a type of scam that is seeking personal financial information and bank access through a number of follow up steps. As we previously shared, we have removed the spam email from student accounts so it is no longer available, as well as completed a number of other steps to address and contain the situation. In general, please follow the previous recommendations regarding when reviewing an email to determine if it is phishing. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, SRCS IT Services it-services@srcs.org
Thursday, Oct 24 2024
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SRCS Updates (Oct.): News from around the District f...
Grant for AP Tests, College Prep Resources We're thrilled that the local nonprofit, Karma Club Teen , has launched its new FuturePrep program, designed to provide equitable college preparation resources to all Terra Linda High School and San Rafael High School students. Thanks to a generous grant from an anonymous family education foundation and individual donors, FuturePrep will help level the playing field for low- to mid-income students by covering key college prep expenses and offering professional college guidance. Learn more. Located in Northgate Mall, Karma Club is focused on empowering underserved youth by providing a supportive after-school safe haven that bolsters overall wellbeing through opportunities for social health and future-readiness. Register teens to use the space | Follow their updates SRCS Shows Improvement in State Tests The State recently released the 2023-24 standardized test results . These include the tests that measure student proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) and math for grades 3-8 and grade 11, and the ELPAC, which measures English language skill development for English learners. In SRCS, we are pleased to see gains in both our Elementary School District (ESD) and High School District (HSD). Below is an overview of our improvement over the prior year in the percentage of students who met or exceeded grade-level standards, as well as the overall results for the State for comparison. English Lang. Arts Math SRCS ESD +1.2 to 35.5% +0.9 to 33.9% SRCS HSD +11.1 to 60.5% +5.4 to 28.6% State +0.4 to 47.0% +0.9 to 35.5% When we look deeper into our data in comparison with the year before, we are especially encouraged by the notable improvement in performance of our middle and high school students . Additionally, when looking at the ELPAC results, we are proud that we made gains in both ESD and HSD; this did not mirror the State trends, which saw slight decreases. Our teachers are doing outstanding work, and we also recognize that we have more work to do across the District to meet all our students’ academic, social and emotional needs. While important, these test results are just one way to look at how our students are doing. As a reminder, individual student score reports have been available in the Aeries Parent Portal. Learn more about our results. Every Day Counts: Attendance During Cold and Flu Season Showing up to school every day is critical for children’s well-being, engagement and learning. As we head into the typical cold and flu season, we recognize that sometimes students are too ill to attend school, and that's OK! Please make sure to send your child to school if they are generally healthy and well. However, if you have questions about when to keep your child home if they are not feeling well, the California Department of Public Health has put together a flyer with recommendations . Review the information for a list of symptoms (such as fever, vomiting, sore throat, coughing, etc.) and recommended actions about staying home and returning [ English | Spanish ]. Be sure to contact a health care provider if your child needs medical care. Note that in most situations, a health-care provider’s note is not needed to return. Capital Facilities Improvements Wrap Up as Others Begin Please check out the "Sizzle Reel" ( right ) to see the newly-completed Venetia Valley Middle School Quad, which will be known as the "Falcon's Nest!" The VV middle school community recently celebrated this very welcome improvement to their campus at a ribbon cutting ceremony. In addition to the ongoing construction throughout the District, we are preparing for new projects to start next summer. Much of this work will focus on improving the learning environments, including HVAC issues. As part of this, the bond program will be addressing our three remaining schools with primary classrooms that are not yet fully equipped with air conditioning. Sun Valley and San Pedro's A/C installments are scheduled to be complete after next summer (we anticipate in time for next school year) and Glenwood's A/C project will be implemented in two phases over the next two summers. In the meantime, the District has recently installed temporary A/C units for those classrooms without. More information about all our projects and weekly updates are available on our School Projects pages at srcsbondprogram.org . DELAC Meetings: Recap and Resources SRCS’ District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) is a group dedicated to advising on programs and services for English learners in our District. The committee is composed of parents of English learners and school staff who work together to provide input on key topics that directly affect our multilingual learners At our recent DELAC meetings, we covered a range of important topics. Click here for the September presentation and here for the October presentation ; and here is a helpful video from the California Department of Education (CDE) in both English and Spanish on how to understand your student’s ELPAC test report. *Please note, that the ELPAC is administered annually only to students who speak a native, or home language other than English who have not yet been reclassified to be fluent English proficient. Learn more about DELAC . Free Public Library Cards for All Students We are proud to partner with the San Rafael Public Library and the Marin County Free Library to expand student access to educational and entertaining books, homework help, movies and more. Librarians from the San Rafael Public Library and Marin County Free Library will provide every TK-12th grade student with a free library card. (If your child already has a card, both cards may be used and will work.) Elementary students will receive them at school and middle and high school students can use their student ID as a library card. Our local libraries are places for children, families and caregivers to connect, learn and grow together. Research indicates: Children who have library cards and visit the library perform better in school. Public library staff help students learn how to do age-appropriate Internet searches and participate in online tutoring and using resources for homework help using free, public-access computers. A library card is the most important school supply. SRPL and MCFL do not charge fines for items returned late. You still must return items to avoid replacement charges. Click here if you do not wish for your child to have a free library card [ English | Spanish ]. Budget Advisory Meetings We're preparing for our Budget Advisory Committee meetings for this school year. Meetings for the Elementary School District and High School District will be in January, March and one additional spring date (held in the District Office from 4:15 - 5:15). Learn more and sign up for committee meetings . These meetings are an opportunity to discuss the financial operations of the districts, including budget development, budget adoption, resource development, revenues and expenditures and serve as a vehicle for communication about these issues. Artificial Intelligence Task Force SRCS is forming a TK-12 working group on the topic of Artificial Intelligence in K12 education. This group will be considering aspects of this technology in relation to educator and student use for teaching and learning with the goal of bringing recommendations to the Board of Education. We are specifically seeking elementary, middle school and high school parents, as well as a DELAC parent representative, to participate. Four evening virtual meetings will be held this school year starting in January. Some knowledge or experience with artificial intelligence is useful to have for this group. If you are interested in joining in this collaborative work, please complete this form. Board Resolutions The SRCS Board of Education adopted the following resolutions at their recent meetings: Declaring October 2024 as the National Bullying Prevention Month Declaring the Week of October 13-19, 2024 as Week of the School Administrator Civic Engagement and Youth Voting Our high schools have recently engaged in non-partisan, civic learning opportunities to motivate students to be active participants in democracy and to think about voting. Terra Linda High School AP Government students ( pictured ) conducted a voter registration drive and registered and pre-registered 374 juniors and seniors in honor of National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 17. At San Rafael High School, representatives from Canal Alliance's "A Votar, Marin" campaign conducted voter outreach in all of the twelfth grade social studies classes. Many students registered (and pre-registered, for 16- and 17-year-olds). Students learned about how to research what will be on the November ballot and about how to increase voter registration in our community. Seeking Future SRCS Educators; Apply for Teacher Residency Program Are you interested in becoming a teacher? Do you have a Bachelor's degree? Are you interested in obtaining a teacher credential and Master's degree at the same time? If you answered yes to these questions, then the Alder Teacher Residency Program with SRCS is for you! We are thrilled to be recruiting our third cohort of residents for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. A $40,000 living stipend is provided, in addition to other benefits. As an affordable and supportive pathway to a rewarding and successful teaching career, SRCS is invested in this program as a way to both expand our teacher pipeline and diversify our teaching staff. Program flyer | Financial aid info | Application New Educators Celebrated at Chamber Event SRCS is a proud member of the San Rafael Chamber, and we were well-represented at the Chamber's event to welcome new educators on Sept. 18! This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for the greater business community to connect with and recognize our new staff for their dedication to education and nurturing our future workforce. Vacant Classified Positions We are excited to have you join our team at SRCS! We have a wide variety of either full-time or part-time positions such as custodians, campus supervisors, instructional assistants, college and career advisors and more. Click here for more details of our vacant classified positions and contact Human Resources at 415-492-3212 or kmoncayo@srcs.org with questions. Summer Program Reflections Looking back at this past summer, we were thrilled to host students TK-12 for various summer learning experiences. In partnership with several community groups, we enrolled over 1,000 elementary and middle school students for programs that focused on creating joyful and enriching opportunities. Read the 2024 Summer Impact Report to learn more about the TK-8 experience. For our high school students, the summer programs included enrichment and academic acceleration and support opportunities. A highlight was a trip to Muir Woods ( pictured ), where students could disconnect from technology and instead reflect on their connection to nature. The integrated Algebra 1 course, which highlighted the use of mathematics in STEM fields, also joined for the Muir Woods trip. The adventure allowed students to become real scientists in their field and practice the application of their math skills outside of a worksheet focused environment. They were able to apply their knowledge of concepts like slope, intercepts and variables to the tree ring sizes and the growth of the redwoods. Monthly Tech Tips: Safe Online Behavior As kids grow up spending more and more time online — for entertainment and for learning — it's important that they know how to stay safe. This month's tips are from Common Sense Media on online safety. Whether they're playing multiplayer games or using social media, guide your children to be responsible by going over some basic rules of internet safety for grades K–5. For any age, talk about your family's rules and expectations for behavior and being mindful of what they share online. This can go a long way in supporting your children's safety and well-being. Eyes Up, Marin - Let’s Make our Streets Safer You may see bright and colorful banners, lawn signs and social media posts popping up all over Marin asking people to keep their “Eyes Up” and be alert. These signs ask drivers to slow down, watch when turning and look for pedestrians in the crosswalk; bicyclists to yield to pedestrians and to follow the rules of the road; and those walking to pay attention when crossing the street. The campaign is part of the Street Smarts Program and Safe Routes to Schools, locally funded programs of the Transportation Authority of Marin. Learn more and find resources. San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 9490
Thursday, Oct 17 2024
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Save the Date: Oct. 24 Webinar on Homeless Sanctione...
Save the Date: Oct. 24 Webinar on Homeless Sanctioned Camping Area Near Davidson The City of San Rafael has established a new sanctioned camping area along the northern portion of the Mahon Creek Path in partnership with the County of Marin and made possible through grant funding provided by the State of California. They welcome the opportunity to present some background and information about the program. Please join us on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 6 - 7 pm for a virtual webinar hosted by the City of San Rafael, with the support of the SRCS and Davidson administrations. The meeting will be via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88489666236 . They plan to discuss why the program was established, who can use the area, services provided and guidelines and regulations. Learn more about the sanctioned camping area . This session is designed specifically for Davidson parents and guardians; nearby SRCS elementary school parents are also welcome. The webinar will be recorded if you can't make it and Spanish interpretation services will be provided. If you have questions that you would like the City to address, please submit them to communications@srcs.org by Friday, Oct. 18. Together with the City, we all want to provide a safe community for students, and we know the City looks forward to giving you an update on their efforts. San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903 [Thursday, Oct 24 at 12:55 PM] Reminder: This evening at 6 pm the City is hosting a webinar on the new sanctioned camping area near Davidson. The meeting is via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88489666236
Monday, Oct 14 2024
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Invitacion a Nuestra Charla de DELAC - VIRTUALMENTE ...
DELAC (District English Learner Advisory Committee / Comité Distrital para Aprendices del Idioma Inglés) MEETING AGENDA Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 Jueves 10 de octubre de 2024 6 - 7 pm Zoom Info/Link: https://srcs-org.zoom.us/j/83200789526 Únase a nosotros para nuestra reunión del Comité Asesor de Aprendices de Inglés del Distrito (DELAC) HOY a las 6:00 . Puede revisar la agenda completa haciendo clic en este enlace . La reunión se llevará VIRTUALMENTE en Zoom usando el siguiente enlace: https://srcs-org.zoom.us/j/83200789526 . Nuestra reunión se llevará en español con traducción al inglés disponible a pedido. Please join us for our District English Learners Advisory Committee meeting (DELAC) TODAY at 6 pm . You can review the full agenda by clicking on this link . The meeting will be VIRTUAL on Zoom using the following link: https://srcs-org.zoom.us/j/83200789526 . Our meeting will be held in Spanish with English translation available upon request.
Thursday, Oct 10 2024
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SRCS Updates (Sept): News from around the District f...
Welcome to our Community Newsletter We are pleased to share our first SRCS community newsletter for the 2024-25 school year! We understand families prioritize information from their school principal and teacher, and we are aiming to streamline communication from the District in this monthly newsletter sent out the third week of the month, unless it is critical, time-sensitive or an emergency. Feedback and suggestions are always welcome - reach out to us at communications@srcs.org. Welcome Student Board Reps At the Board of Education meeting on Sept. 9, we welcomed our 2024-25 Student Board Members. Pictured (left to right ) as they're being sworn in by Board President Lucia Martel-Dow: Jackson Beach, Davidson Middle School; Keila Sem Hernandez, Madrone High School; and Penelope Carroll, Terra Linda High School. We also look forward to welcoming Jonathan Hernandez from Venetia Valley and Sophie Mercer from San Rafael High School at future meetings. Student Board Members play an integral role in SRCS, including providing regular updates on school events, activities, programs and curriculum as well as bringing student voice to the Board table by sharing perspective, background and experiences. Suicide Prevention & Awareness September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives. Learn about behaviors that may be a sign that someone is thinking about suicide { English | Spanish ]. Below are some resources should you or someone you know need help: National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 Marin Mobile Crisis Unit: Call 415-473-6392 Our schools also have mental health and wellness programs and services, including Wellness Centers at Davidson Middle School, San Rafael High School and Terra Linda High School; school counselors in our elementary schools; and Family Centers at targeted elementary schools. i-Ready Assessments and Online Practice through MyPath Students in grades 1-12 have participated in i-Ready reading and math diagnostic assessments over the past few weeks. These tests help your child's teacher learn more about what they know and what they are ready to learn next, which helps them set goals and focus their instruction on individual student needs. After completing the diagnostic assessment, students in grades K-8 have access to an online learning platform, MyPath, targeted at their specific needs. Students can access MyPath at home on a laptop or iPad by logging into Clever using their SRCS username and password. If you need help with your child's login information, please contact their teacher. Reminder: SRCS Committee on Culture, Equity and Belonging The District is convening a SRCS Committee on Culture, Equity and Belonging to identify opportunities for how our District and schools can improve our approach to creating more equitable, supportive and inclusive environments in our schools for all SRCS students. We are still looking for committee members! The first meeting is this coming Tuesday, Sept. 24 - please submit an application as soon as possible. Learn more, view the application and apply [ English | Spanish ]. Attendance Matters SRCS is dedicated to academic achievement and success for all students. Regular school attendance is a critical part of that success. High attendance rates result in improved academic skills, as well as social and emotional growth. Families play an essential role in ensuring regular attendance. Here are some things you can do: Help your child arrive on time and remain for the entire school day Contact the school office to report all absences and tardies If you’re concerned that your child may have a contagious illness, call the school or health care provider for advice Schedule non-urgent appointments and extended trips when school isn’t in session Apply for Independent Study if your family will be away for 3-14 school days (must give at least two-weeks notice) If you are struggling to get your child to school, ask for help from your school principal, community liaison, your child’s teacher or counselor. We're working to make our schools places where every student wants to attend every day - an environment where they can be safe, healthy and learning. Together we can make a difference! Board Resolutions The SRCS Board of Education adopted the following resolutions at their recent meetings: Recognition of September 2024 as Attendance Awareness Month Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month in September 2024 Proclaiming September 17, 2024 as Constitution and Citizenship Day Commemorating Patriot Day and Honoring the Victims of the September 11, 2001 Attacks Recognition of the Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 - October 15, 2024 Recognition of United Against Hate Week for September 21 - 27, 2024 High Schoolers Exposed to Local Businesses We were thrilled that students from San Rafael, Terra Linda and Madrone high schools had the opportunity to attend the San Rafael Chamber's Business Showcase On Sept. 12 as part of the Chamber's commitment to education-to-employment engagement! Students networked with local businesses and explored professional opportunities such as internships, shadow days, informational interviews and more. Customize Your ParentSquare Notification Settings SRCS uses ParentSquare as our primary school-to-home communication tool. This unified platform is designed to keep parents and families informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with SRCS. In ParentSquare, you can fine-tune your notification settings for posts for each school and the district - you can select if you want a daily digest or instant notifications. How to update your notification settings: Using web browser: From Home, in the upper right under your name, select "My Account" and then "Notification Settings." Using mobile app: From home screen tap the triple bar menu at top left, select "My Account" and then "Notifications." Learn more. Bond Program Highlights Significant construction for our Bond Program is underway throughout the District thanks to San Rafael voter's generous support! This summer, there were many challenges that took up substantial time and energy, but there were successes worth celebrating - check out this video for some highlights ! The construction team regularly updates the website as projects move ahead. Find out more at srcsbondprogram.org . Save the Date: Mental Health & Wellbeing Series In collaboration with school districts, local partners and area leaders, the Marin County Office of Education is hosting a Mental Health and Wellbeing Series for Parents and Caregivers. View the flyer for a quick look at the year-long calendar of events or click here for details and registration information . Family Tips: Media Balance and Well-Being In a world where technology is interwoven into almost everything we do, conversations about digital life can be meaningful to have with your child. This year, we will be offering monthly tips and topics for families around digital literacy and well-being that can be useful as your child engages with technology. This month's tips are from Common Sense Media on ways to help your family use devices in healthy ways. Family Tips: Grades TK-5 [ English | Spanish ] Family Tips: Grades 6-12 [ English | Spanish ] My Media Balance Video [ English | Spanish ] Resources from our Partners at the SRPL Check out books: All SRCS students have a library account! Just visit your local branch, provide your child's name and date of birth, and they can be set up with a library card. Downtown Library - Temporarily relocated to 1009 4th St. Pickleweed Library - 50 Canal St. Northgate Library - 5800 Northgate Dr. Ebooks and audiobooks : Use your library card to access unlimited ebooks and audiobooks through the Libby App . These books can be read or listened to on any computer or mobile device. Games and events: Check out these fun online resources for kids , including math and reading games. And check out the library’s website for the upcoming storytimes and events. Youth Substance Use Prevention Programs Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships is a community-based non-profit that focuses on reducing underage drinking and drug use so students can have the best outcomes both in and outside of school. Underage substance use in Marin is one of the highest in all of California. This is an issue that takes an entire community to change. Check out their programs and consider participating. Raising the Bar is an initiative dedicated to keeping youth events substance free. Research shows that parents have a significant influence on their children’s decisions regarding alcohol. This program encourages healthy modeling and asks that all parents and caregivers abstain from using alcohol and other substances at youth-focused events and activities. Let’s Talk and Let’s Start Talking toolkits are important resources for parents and caregivers of middle and high school students to support them in navigating the complexities faced by local teens and families. The initiative fosters open communication between parents and teens on challenging subjects such as peer pressure, underage substance use and mental health. There are also four virtual community discussions during the year that take a deeper dive into topics with guest facilitators and experts. Parents and caregivers have the opportunity to share their experiences and best practices in a safe, solution-oriented environment. Be the Influence encourages families to use their best efforts to support substance-free gatherings and prevent youth from driving under the influence. BTI also offers newsletters and blogs with parenting tips and other information, as well as a Facebook group to connect with other parents. San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 9490
Thursday, Sep 19 2024