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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
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Davidson Middle School Safety Update
Davidson Middle School Safety Update Dear Davidson Community, I want to follow up on Principal Stachon's weekly bulletin message about school safety . We understand that school safety is on the minds of students, families and staff. It is also on our minds and in the actions we are committed to taking to keep our schools safe. We are aware that messages regarding school violence have been recently circulating among the student body and on social media. I assure you that any reports of threats or perceived threats are taken very seriously, and law enforcement is notified immediately. We have actively partnered with the San Rafael Police Department on rumors of violence. After thorough investigations, it has been confirmed that there is no credible threat to Davidson or any SRCS school. Moving forward, please be assured that we will investigate any threat in coordination with the SRPD and if necessary, we will take immediate action and keep you informed. Your vigilance helps keep our community safe. If students see or have information regarding something dangerous or unsafe, they should immediately report it to an adult. It is our goal that all students model, "If you see something, say something." We also want to emphasize the importance of discussing responsible social media use with your children and the dangers of spreading rumors. We understand the anxiety any threat can cause. Please know that our top priority is our students' and staff's safety and well-being. We also want to update you on recent student fights and physical altercations. You may be aware that there were incidents both on campus and off campus last week, including a physical altercation during lunch on Thursday involving many students. Working with the District and school administration, and with support from the SRPD, we began the investigation based on our initial information, and took appropriate disciplinary action. This continues to be an ongoing investigation; we are learning more nuanced information that we are addressing, which may lead to other consequences, either restorative or punitive, as appropriate. While privacy laws prohibit us from sharing the specific disciplinary consequences, note that we will always follow the SRCS Student Behavior Intervention and Discipline Matrix [ English | Spanish ] when determining how to hold those involved accountable, in addition to any potential resulting police charges. In this circumstance, as in any, when students have conflicts, we seek to put a stop to it and prevent it from happening again. Through multiple conversations with those in our community, it is becoming clear that incidents of violence are unfortunately on the rise in our area, mirroring challenges faced in many communities. This unacceptable behavior is also spilling over into our schools, and I want to emphasize that we take steps to immediately investigate and address any issue. We are grateful for our continued collaboration with the SRPD; our partnership is key to keeping our communities and schools safe. Fighting and acts of violence and hatred are not tolerated at Davidson. We take any and all reports of threats or violence seriously, and we are making every effort to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment for all. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, Carmen Diaz Ghysels Superintendent San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903
Tuesday, Sep 17 2024
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Community Safety Update; No Threat to SRCS Schools
Community Safety Update No Threat to SRCS Schools Dear San Rafael City Schools Community, We are aware of a threat of violence made today against the Tamalpais High School District. All schools and offices are closed in that district. We have no other information about their situation. I want to emphasize that San Rafael City Schools has not received any such threats to our campuses. We have also been in contact with the San Rafael Police Department and they are not aware of any threats to our District or schools and as always, we will be in close contact with our law enforcement partners regarding safety and security issues. We want to assure you that the safety of students and staff is our utmost priority. We appreciate the continued vigilance of our community. SRCS will continue to monitor the situation. Sincerely, Sincerely, Carmen Diaz Ghysels Superintendent San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903
Friday, Sep 13 2024
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A Message from Our Partners at Youth In Arts
Dear Esteemed School Partners & Families, Youth in Arts is excited to continue the partnership with San Rafael City Schools in the 2024-2025 school year. For the last 50 years, we have provided arts education to more than 1 million students in Marin. Since the reduction of arts resources for California students, we have been a key advocate for more arts. Through collaborative partnership with SRCS, HeadsUp, PTAs/PTOs, and other community partners, we are positioned to provide all K-5 students, over 3,100 in total, equitable access to visual, performing, and media arts programs for 3 years! Our work goes deeper than simply being an arts provider. Youth in Arts aims to build arts skills through innovative and in-depth programs that foster confidence, creativity, compassion and resilience in students of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. We advocate for equitable access to arts education and offer opportunities for young people to share their creative voices in their communities. Building confidence, fostering creative voices and nurturing compassion are at the heart of our mission. This year, all Teaching Artists’ residencies will be guided by the following 4 frameworks (in no particular order): Creating : Making space for students to generate, organize, and refine artistic work with increasing complexity. Performing : Helping students Develop, refine, and convey meaning through artistic work for presentation. Responding : Holding meaningful conversations and facilitating activities around appropriately responding to artistic works. Connecting : Providing opportunities for students to integrate their own lives and interests into the artistic work/process. Our residences aim to provide students with an opportunity to explore their creative abilities - not just produce a finished product. We look forward to seeing you in the classroom! Sincerely, The Youth in Arts Team
Thursday, Sep 12 2024
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Message from the Superintendent: SRCS Committee on C...
SRCS Committee on Culture, Equity and Belonging Application Available Dear San Rafael City Schools Community, In San Rafael City Schools, we are committed to creating a more inclusive and supportive culture for all students. To help us, we are increasing our engagement with our community to identify opportunities for how we can improve our approach to creating more equitable and inclusive environments in our schools. We’re convening a District-wide committee - SRCS Committee on Culture, Equity and Belonging - to help continue these efforts. We hope to bring together a representative group from the SRCS community, including students, parents, guardians, caregivers, teachers, staff and community members to participate in discussions and identify ways to foster welcoming environments for all students. You are encouraged to apply - your input is not just important, it's paramount to serving our students better. We are ideally looking for: Parents / Guardians and Students One parent representative for each of our elementary schools One middle school family pair for each middle school. A pair with a middle school student and parent is preferred. One high school student representative for each high school One high school parent representative for each high school Teachers and Staff Two elementary school teacher or staff representatives Two middle school teacher or staff representatives Two high school school teacher or staff representatives Labor management leaders Board of Education Representative Community Partners District and School Administrators Completed applications are requested by Sept. 12. Click here to learn more, view the application and apply! Sincerely, Carmen Diaz Ghysels Superintendent Customize Your Notification Settings 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. In the upper right under your name, select "My Account" and then "Notification Settings.” Learn more . San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903
Friday, Aug 30 2024
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Message from the Superintendent: Wrapping up the Fir...
Wrapping up the First Week of the 2024-25 School Year! Dear San Rafael City Schools Community, I hope you’ve all had a wonderful start to the 2024-25 school year! I know throughout the summer, our staff worked diligently to prepare for the new year, and we were overjoyed to welcome students on Wednesday. It was energizing for me to briefly visit all of our schools these first few days, and I look forward to more deeply connecting with our school communities in the coming months. As we settle into the new year, I encourage us all to embrace each day with our District values of equity, community and joy. Together, we will overcome challenges, celebrate achievements and create a positive and inspiring learning environment, especially if we hold true to our values. I want to take an opportunity to highlight some key areas as we start this new school year. Every Day Counts Attendance at school is critical to student success inside and outside the classroom. Our parents and families are our strongest partners on our students’ journeys - please ensure your child attends school on time every day. When students attend school every day, they have a better chance to engage with the curriculum, participate in discussions and collaborate with peers. This continuous exposure to the learning environment fosters a deeper understanding of subjects and enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Any day or hour absent is a missed learning opportunity. SRCS Committee on Culture, Equity and Belonging We are committed to creating a more inclusive and supportive culture for all students. To help us, we are increasing our engagement with our community to identify opportunities for how we can improve our approach to creating more equitable and inclusive environments in our schools. We’re convening a District-wide committee - SRCS Committee on Culture, Equity and Belonging - a representative group from the SRCS community to participate in discussions and identify ways to foster welcoming environments for all SRCS students. Please stay tuned for more details and how to apply! Building for Student Success - Construction Continues Significant construction for our bond program is underway at many schools throughout the District thanks to San Rafael voter's generous support! Some of the featured projects include new TK classrooms or buildings and play areas at several of our elementary schools; a new multipurpose room at Davidson; and new aquatic centers and athletic facilities modernization at the high schools. We acknowledge that construction is messy and inconvenient, and we thank our students, staff, families and neighbors for their patience and flexibility! Find the latest information and updates at srcsbondprogram.org. Part of the construction program also transformed the Short School campus, and we were pleased to open the San Rafael Early Learning Center at Short School this year ( pictured right )! We are proud to partner on this endeavor with our longstanding partner Community Action Marin. Designed specifically for young learners, it is a vibrant campus with many unique opportunities and benefits. It is home to several programs, including some TK classes, our early intervention preschool program and CAM preschool classes. Welcome New Staff We are happy to have several new key school and District leaders: Bob Marcucci, Deputy Superintendent of Business Services Cecilia Perez, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Michele Harland, Coordinator of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction Alison Baum, Coordinator of the Early Learning Center at Short School Kristin Hancock, Sun Valley Principal Jessaca Michaelsen, Sun Valley Assistant Principal Armando Oseguera, Venetia Valley Interim Principal Leah Brosio, Venetia Valley Assistant Principal Jennifer Derby, Bahia Vista Assistant Principal Carolyn Reibel, San Pedro Assistant Principal John Kennedy, Madrone Principal Shannon Erby, San Rafael High School Assistant Principal Kent Morales, San Rafael High School Interim Assistant Principal We have welcomed nearly 60 new teachers and certificated staff and about 10 new classified staff to our SRCS community! We also have 16 teaching residents joining us for our second cohort. They participate in a rigorous teacher preparation program through the lens of equity and inclusion, earning their teaching credential and Master's degree in one year; each is paired with a mentor SRCS educator. From our first cohort, we have nine new teachers leading their own classrooms this year, and it is especially impactful as many are former students or employees! I look forward to this school year's beautiful moments, achievements and memories. Let's make the 2024-25 school year one to remember! Sincerely, Carmen Diaz Ghysels Superintendent 2024-2 5 SRCS All Staff Welcome Back Celebration at Terra Linda High School on Aug. 20 Customize Your Notification Settings 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. In the upper right under your name, select "My Account" and then "Notification Settings.” Learn more . San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903
Saturday, Aug 24 2024
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Message from the Superintendent: Welcome to the 2024...
Welcome to the 2024-25 School Year! Dear SRCS Community, Happy New Year! I am so pleased to welcome our incredible students, families and staff to the 2024-25 school year! As a reminder, the first day of school for all students is Wednesday, August 21. The excitement that will soon fill our classrooms, hallways and campuses on the first day will be energizing. The smiles on our students’ faces, the energy in the air and the enthusiasm to embark on this new year are very exciting. I want to thank everyone for making our SRCS community a vibrant and welcoming place! To our students: I want you to know how proud I am of your eagerness to learn, grow and make the most of every opportunity this year. Your commitment to your education and personal development is inspiring, and I want to assure you that we are fully committed to supporting you in achieving great things this year. To our parents and families: You are an essential and valued part of our District and school communities. Thank you for entrusting us with your children's education. Your support, involvement and partnership with us are invaluable, and we are truly grateful for your role in creating a nurturing and empowering environment that will help your child succeed. To our exceptional teachers and staff: Your dedication and passion for teaching and supporting all our students are the cornerstones of our SRCS educational excellence. Your hard work and commitment to our students are truly commendable, and I am grateful to have such a talented team of employees shaping the future of our students. As we move into this new school year, let us embrace each day - beyond the first day - with our District values of equity, community and joy. Together, we will overcome challenges, celebrate achievements and create a positive and inspiring learning environment, especially if we hold true to our values. I look forward to this school year's beautiful moments, achievements and memories. Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome, as they help us improve and grow. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns or ideas to share. I can be reached at superintendent@srcs.org. I am filled with anticipation for the fantastic year ahead. Let's make it one to remember! Sincerely, Carmen Diaz Ghysels Superintendent San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 9490
Friday, Aug 16 2024
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Welcome to Kindergarten in SRCS! Information About C...
Welcome to Kindergarten in SRCS! Information About Class Assignments and Preparing for the Year Dear Coleman Kindergarten Families, Welcome to Kindergarten in San Rafael City Schools! This marks an exciting new chapter in your child’s educational journey. We are looking forward to welcoming your child on the first day of school on Wednesday, Aug. 21. Our District and school teams are committed to creating nurturing, engaging and inclusive environments where every child feels valued and excited to learn. In TK and Kindergarten, our focus is on fostering a love for learning through hands-on activities, creative exploration and positive social interactions. We believe in building strong relationships with our students and their families, and we are excited to partner with you in supporting your child’s growth and development. We also want to share some important information about class assignments . In order to best serve your child and create the most optimal learning environments for our young learners, we are having a “Welcome Week” during which we will get to know all of our Transitional Kindergarteners and Kindergarteners before officially assigning them to classrooms and teachers. Note that school placements will not change. Here are some some information details and dates: From Aug. 21-23, students will have the opportunity to get to know our school and teachers, while also being in small groups with different students. Some of the activities students may participate in include Center activities; outdoor games and play; and read-alouds. On Friday, Aug. 23, we will use ParentSquare to let you know which classroom your child will be in for the remainder of the school year, and we look forward to having you join us at Back to School Night to get to know your child’s teacher. An important technical note: Starting on Aug. 20, you may begin to receive notification from your school with an assigned classroom teacher. Please note that this teacher name is only a temporary placeholder for attendance purposes for the first few days of school. We look forward to sharing the final teacher assignment after we get to know all our youngest learners the evening of Aug. 23. In preparation for the school year, we ask that you focus on ensuring your child has a good night's sleep and is on time for school each and every day. Also, please know that meals (breakfast and lunch) for all SRCS students are free this year! More helpful information about your child's school and the year ahead will be shared at your school's TK/K orientation. We look forward to a wonderful school year! In Service, Cecilia Perez Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Stephanie Kloos Executive Director of Elementary Education San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way San Rafael, CA 94903
Wednesday, Aug 14 2024
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Now Available: Important 2024 Back-to-School Forms i...
Now Available: Important 2024 Back-to-School Forms in the Aeries Parent Portal Dear SRCS Families, We look forward to the upcoming 2024-25 school year! As a reminder, the first day of school is Wednesday, Aug. 21. More information will be shared as that date approaches, but there are some important back-to-school information and forms now available in the Aeries Parent Portal that you are required to review and complete. The Aeries Parent Portal is our tool for TK-12 parents/guardians to have online access to view your child’s digital school records, including emergency contact information, health records, attendance, state testing reports and more. Please Complete the Back-to-School Forms Completing the Back-to-School Forms is required for each student in your family. We need your help to ensure that every student and emergency contact information is as accurate and current as possible. Login to your Aeries Parent Portal account ( see the links below ) to complete the Back-to-School forms - this is called the Data Confirmation Process. Once you’re logged in, a yellow banner will appear on the top of your screen prompting you to complete the steps. As you go through each section, look for the "Confirm and Continue" button in the sidebar. This process allows you to confirm or update your child’s information and allows you to acknowledge District policies and authorizations, such as the 2024-25 Annual Notice to Parents/Guardians . One of the steps is for you to enter your household income and the number of people in your household. We collect this important information to ensure our District and schools continue to be eligible for increased federal and state funding for areas such staffing, supplies, programs and more. Your responses are confidential. This information helps support all SRCS students with significant funding opportunities, and your support in completing it is crucial and appreciated. Please complete this process for each child who attends SRCS. There are different login portals for parents with children in grades TK-8 and 9-12. You can complete this on a computer, tablet or smartphone. You will have limited access to your student’s account until you have completed the Aeries Data Confirmation process. Login Links Returning Aeries Parent Portal Users : If you accessed Aeries Parent Portal last year, login with the same email and password through these links: Grades TK-8 Aeries Parent Portal Grades 9-12 Aeries Parent Portal Password Reset: If your child is a returning SRCS student, but you do not remember your password, use these links: Grades TK-8 Reset Password Grades 9-12 Reset Password New Student Parent Portal Accounts : If you are newly enrolled to SRCS for the 2024-25 year, Parent Portal accounts are automatically generated and an email was recently sent from donotreply@aeries.com to the parent/guardian email(s). Please check your inbox or SPAM for this email and complete the steps. If your child is newly enrolled and you have not received an email from aeries.com, contact your school’s office. Once you have activated your Parent Portal account, you can login using the links below to complete the Data Confirmation Process. Grades TK-8 Aeries Parent Portal Grades 9-12 Aeries Parent Portal Helpful Information Back-to-School forms / Data Confirmation Process Parent Guide ( English ) ( Spanish ) Video tutorial on Data Confirmation Process ( English ) ( Spanish ) Aeries Parent Portal FAQs ( English ) ( Spanish ) Please complete this for each student by Sept. 9. Thank you for your support for this important process. Sincerely, San Rafael City Schools San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way San Rafael, CA 94903
Monday, Aug 12 2024
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Construction Update for Davidson Middle School, Summ...
Construction Update for Davidson Middle School, Summer 2024 Dear Davidson Community, San Rafael City Schools has unfortunately experienced some substantial delays from two regulatory agencies in their review period for necessary approvals for us to begin construction. Below is more information about the agencies, California Geological Survey and the Division of State Architect. As a result, projects at several schools have been impacted, including Davidson Middle School, where minimal work could be done for a large portion of the 2024 summer and we did not make the progress we anticipated. We are all disappointed that this will extend the project completion timeline and require us to reassess the budget. As the first day of school nears, your school principal or front office staff will share details about if / how construction may temporarily impact access to certain parts of campus. When available, the Capital Improvement team will publish updated schedules. Visit www.srcsbondprogram.org for up-to-date information. Please contact bondprogram@srcs.org with any questions. California Geological Survey (CGS) CGS provides scientific products and services about the state’s geology, seismicity, forests and watersheds, and mineral resources that affect the health, safety of the people of California. Using geoscience information for policy decisions, rural and urban planning, resource development, and infrastructure investments at the state, county and local levels to ensure the safety. The Division of the State Architect (DSA) DSA provides design and construction oversight for K–12 schools, community colleges, and various other state-owned and state-leased facilities to ensure that they comply with all structural, accessibility, and fire and life safety codes. To promote consistent knowledge and application of the California Building Codes, as well as information for successful plan review and construction of projects under DSA’s jurisdiction, DSA offers classes through its DSA Academy. DSA requires a letter of approval from CGS that states the engineering geology and seismology issues at a school are adequately assessed in the construction calculations. This review and comments process historically can take up to 180 days (6 months) to resolve. This year these three sites took up to 227 days. Adding up to a 47 day delay from anticipated start of construction. DSA historically takes 4 to 6 months for review, and we are now experiencing 7 – 10 months. Also adding delays for planned construction. Thank you for your continued support and patience. Sincerely, Tim Ryan Senior Director of Strategic Facility Planning San Rafael City Schools San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way San Rafael, CA 94903
Friday, Aug 02 2024