• Now Open: TK and Kindergarten Registration for 2026-27

    Now Open: TK and Kindergarten Registration for 2026-27 We have launched our annual enrollment season for our new Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten students for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. The information below may be helpful for your own family, or to share with neighbors and friends. Eligibility: TK: Children who will be FOUR-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2026 are eligible to enroll for the 2026-27 school year.  Kindergarten : Children who will be FIVE-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2026 are eligible to enroll for the 2026-27 school year. 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:   SRCS is thrilled to have a thriving  Dual Language Program , and we're now enrolling new TK and Kindergarten students. The program focuses on bilingualism and biliteracy, academic excellence and sociocultural competence. Informational Sessions:   Are you, or do you know, a local family interested in learning more about TK or Kindergarten?  SRCS is hosting informational sessions for parents and guardians considering TK or Kindergarten for their child. Open to All Interested SRCS Families The Early Learning Center at Short School Thursday, Nov. 13 | 6 – 7 pm Presented in English with Spanish interpretation Bahia Vista Elementary Thursday, Dec. 4 | 6 – 7 pm Presented in Spanish with English interpretation At each session, district and school leaders, along with teachers, will share information and answer questions about our programs, a typical school day, 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  San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way San Rafael, CA 94903

    Tuesday, Nov 04 2025

  • Food Resources and Support

    Food Resources and Support Dear SRCS Community, We know that many of our families rely on SNAP benefits through CalFresh and want to make sure you’re aware of the recent announcement that  November benefits have been temporarily paused because of the federal government shutdown.  We are here to help amidst this uncertainty and added stress for many households.  Making sure every student has access to the nutrition they need to learn and grow is one of our top priorities.   Free School Meals We want to reassure you that  our free school meal programs are not affected. Free school meals of breakfast and lunch will continue to be available for all students at all our schools - no forms or eligibility required. We also offer a supper meal program in the schools with an afterschool program. Community Resources Our area offers a number of additional food assistance programs that may be helpful: San Francisco-Marin Food Bank : Use their tool to help you locate weekly free groceries, monthly food boxes for seniors, one-time emergency food and more.  Marin Health and Human Services CalFresh (SNAP) emergency resources Listing of local food pantries CalFresh benefits information  Call 211 : A free and confidential information and referral service; supports food assistance and other services  Offering Support For our families who are able to give, please consider supporting the local community organization of your choice. The Marin Community Foundation has launched a  Food on Every Table fund to solicit donations specifically to support families that will be impacted by the CalFresh disruption. MCF will work alongside the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank and the County of Marin to deploy the funds to those impacted. SRCS is joining local leaders and community partners to collaborate, pool resources and coordinate efforts to support our families. We will share further information as it becomes available. We remain committed to supporting every child and family, ensuring that students continue to feel safe and cared for.  Sincerely, Carmen Diaz Ghysels Superintendent     San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903

    Friday, Oct 31 2025

  • Surplus Property Update - Bid Packet Released for Sa...

    Surplus Property Update: Bid Packet Released for Sale of MacPhail Site Dear SRCS Community, I am writing to provide an update on the District’s ongoing process regarding one of our surplus properties, the MacPhail site, located at 1565 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, in the Santa Venetia area. Last month,  we shared that the SRCS Board of Education approved a resolution declaring its intention to sell the MacPhail surplus property, using a competitive bid process open to the general public. This statutory process also allows participation from interested non-profits and public entities, and is designed to ensure that the District receives at least fair market value for the property. As a next step, the District is releasing the bid packet for the site, which includes the Notice of Sale and Bidding Instructions for the MacPhail property. Additionally, we have posted a “Frequently Asked Questions” document. The materials,  posted on the District’s surplus property webpage , outline the process and deadlines in detail. A few key points include: Written, sealed bids must be received by SRCS by 5 pm on January 23, 2026. Oral bids meeting the requirements may be made at the public Board meeting on January 27, 2026, however, the District’s pre-bid questionnaire must be completed and returned by the Jan. 23 deadline in order to submit either a written and/or oral bid. The minimum bid shall be no less than $6 million. At the Board’s open public meeting on January 27, 2026, the Board will receive, open, examine and consider, including accepting or rejecting, all received, sealed written bids to purchase the MacPhail property, and any eligible oral bids made at that time.  The Board shall make final acceptance of the highest responsible bid or reject all bids. Questions about the property or the process should be directed to Bob Marcucci, Deputy Superintendent of Business Services at 415-492-3233 or business-services@srcs.org.  Please refer to the bid packet  available here for complete details regarding the process, requirements and schedule. The District will continue to keep our community informed as the process moves forward. We remain committed to transparent decision-making and to our duty to obtain the greatest possible return on surplus district assets for the benefit of our students, our community and the financial health of the District. Click here for the bid packet and FAQs, as well as additional background and information on the process around the MacPhail site. Sincerely, Carmen Diaz Ghysels Superintendent     San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903

    Wednesday, Oct 29 2025

  • Supporting Our SRCS Community - Reported Increased I...

    Supporting Our SRCS Community Reported Increased Immigration Enforcement Dear San Rafael City Schools Community, We recognize that recent reports regarding an increased immigration enforcement presence in the Bay Area are causing worry and concern among our SRCS community. We are also following  the latest development that the federal government may be calling off potential federal deployment in San Francisco ; it is not clear what impact this would have for surrounding Bay Area communities.  In any scenario, we want to take the opportunity to remind our families that our schools continue to be welcoming spaces for every student and we remain deeply dedicated to supporting all families, regardless of immigration status. Our community has a long-standing commitment to protecting and supporting our immigrant communities. Resources We have been working closely with our partners at the Marin Rapid Response Network (MRRN) - our local lead agency on this issue. They have been working alongside our community to prepare for any enforcement and they have plans in place to help support a response to any activity. Furthermore, along with their local partners,  they have put together this helpful document to help the community prepare and respond immediately in the event of immigration enforcement [ English | Spanish ]. MRRN has summarized this information in the attached graphics in Spanish.   The Marin County Office of Education also has  a website with information and resources for families , both in Spanish and English. District Protocols We also want to remind our families of the clear protocols we have in place to help ensure students are safe in our schools. Specifically: We do not allow immigration enforcement onto a school campus unless the agency has a valid judicial warrant or court order. Staff know to refer all visitors directly to the school office, and principals and school administrators are to communicate directly with the Superintendent's Office and our legal team. As reference, all schools have the resource, " What to do if an immigration-enforcement officer comes to your school? ", a Quick Reference for School Officials from the California Department of Justice. A new State law (SB 98) strengthens our commitment to keeping all students safe and secure. If there are confirmed immigration enforcement agents on a school campus, the District will immediately notify all students, families and staff.  Staff are prohibited from sharing any information about any student’s or family’s immigration status.  Every student belongs at SRCS, and we are here to support you. We will continue to coordinate closely with our local partners and above all, remain committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for all students. Sincerely, Carmen Diaz Ghysels Superintendent      San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903

    Thursday, Oct 23 2025

  • SRCS Updates: News from around the District for our ...

    Reminder: Open Board Seat for Area 5; Application Due Nov. 14 SRCS has launched a provisional appointment process to fill an open seat on its Board of Education. Candidates must reside in SRCS  Trustee Area 5 . Applications are due on Nov. 14 by 4 pm. Public interviews of candidates will take place at a Special Board Meeting on Nov. 18 at 4 pm. View the application   |   View the trustee area map   |  Learn more Spotlight on Completed Capital Facilities Projects It was an incredibly busy summer for our Bond Program across the District!  This video showcases the recently completed work , which is a result of over 500 dedicated individuals working on our schools. The work represents a remarkable $14.4 million invested in our facilities over the summer. The work continues!  More information about all our projects and weekly updates are available on our School Projects pages at  srcsbondprogram.org . 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. Bulling Prevention Month October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month , an important time to reinforce our commitment to creating safe, inclusive and respectful learning environments for all students. This week, our elementary and middle schools have been focusing on leading events with resources from Sandy Hook Promise’s  Start With Hello Week . We encourage you to: Take time for age-appropriate discussions that highlight kindness, respect, and inclusion. Remind your children about reporting procedures and available support if they experience or witness bullying. Model positive relationships and reinforce our schools' expectations for behavior. Short-Term Independent Study Contracts If your family is expected to be away from school for an extended vacation or family emergency up to 15 school days, please reach out to your school to request a  Short-Term Independent Study Contract .  This contract includes clear expectations for the student, family, school and teacher regarding independent study for up to 15 days and is aligned with the Education Code. The purpose is to maintain students’ access to education while temporarily out of school. Students and families are encouraged to reach out to your school office for more information. 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 2026-27 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 Coming Soon: TK and Kindergarten Info Sessions Enrollment for the upcoming 2026-27 school year opens on Monday, Nov. 3! Are you, or do you know, a local family interested in learning more about Transitional Kindergarten (TK) or Kindergarten? SRCS is hosting informational sessions for parents and guardians considering TK or Kindergarten for their child. At each session, district and school leaders, along with teachers, will share information and answer questions about our programs, a typical school day, our Dual Language Program, aftercare opportunities, how to enroll and more. Open to All Interested SRCS Families The Early Learning Center at Short School Thursday, Nov. 13 | 6 – 7 pm Presented in English with Spanish interpretation  Bahia Vista Elementary Thursday, Dec. 4 | 6 – 7 pm Presented in Spanish with English interpretation Reminder: Community Surveys Thank you to those who completed the surveys from two of our valued community partners! If you haven't yet, please take some time to share your input and help strengthen our schools and community.  Safe Routes to School:  Please take 10 minutes to answer this survey to tell us your thoughts about how your student gets to and from school and how they engage with the  Safe Routes to Schools program. Your feedback is essential for Safe Routes to Schools’ program development serving our schools. Elementary Schools: English Survey Link   |    Spanish Survey Link Middle Schools: English Survey Link   |   Spanish Survey Link High Schools: English Survey Link   |   Spanish Survey Link Raising the Bar: They have a parent survey to better understand perceptions and understanding of drinking and substance use among our community members. Below there is a link to an anonymous survey. Please take a few minutes to fill this out and contribute to this very important work.  English Survey Link   |   Spanish Survey Link Counted Out Film Screening The Marin County Office of Education warmly invites families to a special community screening of the award-winning documentary Counted Out, directed and produced by Vicki Abeles. In today’s world, technology, data, and algorithms increasingly shape our opportunities. Counted Out shines a light on how math education impacts equity, access, and the power to participate fully in society. Together—as families, educators, and community partners—we can build classrooms and homes where all students see themselves as “math people.”  Thursday, Oct. 30, 5:30 - 7:45 pm at the Marin County Office of Education, 1111 Las Gallinas Ave., San Rafael. Following the film, join a special discussion with filmmaker Vicki Abeles.  Register   |   Watch the trailer Upcoming Parent Ed Opportunities The Marin County Office of Education has compiled some upcoming parent / caregiver education events that are open to families throughout Marin. Delaying Social Media. Together. Oct. 29  |   Flyer   |   More info, register Reeling in Social Media Use. What Parents Need to Know. Nov. 5  |   Flyer   |   More info, register Let’s Talk – The Teen Partying Landscape: What You Need to Know Nov. 5  |   Flyer   |   More info, register Eyes Up Marin – Eyes Up, Phones Down 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. This month's tips are focused on keeping phones down. Don’t be distracted by the alerts from your phone. Turn off your phone when you drive. Did you know you have the ability to silence your phone while driving? To silence your phone while driving, enable "Do Not Disturb While Driving" or "Driving Focus" on your iOS or Android phone, which automatically silences calls, texts, and notifications when you're detected to be driving. Google “silence phone while driving” to find out how. If you have to use your phone, make sure you use hands free equipment.  More tips . 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. San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 9490

    Wednesday, Oct 22 2025

  • Please complete surveys from our District partners

    Surveys from our District Partners Dear San Rafael City Schools Families, Your voice matters. Please take a few moments to participate in the following surveys from some of our valued community partners - your feedback helps shape programs and services that support our students and families. Also, our own SRCS survey is coming soon! This December, the District will once again partner with YouthTruth to conduct online comprehensive surveys to hear directly from those we serve about what we are doing well, and how we can improve. There will be survey opportunities for all parents and guardians and staff members, as well as students in grades 3-12. Stay tuned for more information.  Thank you for taking the time to share your input and help strengthen our schools and community. Sincerely, Carmen Diaz Ghysels Superintendent    Safe Routes to School Please take 10 minutes to answer this survey to tell us your thoughts about how your student gets to and from school and how they engage with the  Safe Routes to Schools program. Your feedback is essential for Safe Routes to Schools’ program development serving our school and 26,000 students in our county. Thank you! The Transportation Authority of Marin funds the Safe Routes’ crossing guards, pedestrian and bike education, encouragement events (e.g. International Walk to School Day), Task Force meetings, suggested route maps, and much more. Your help is vital for program funding to address the needs of your family and others.  Elementary Schools : English Survey Link   |   Spanish Survey Link Middle Schools : English Survey Link   |   Spanish Survey Link High Schools : English Survey Link   |   Spanish Survey Link Contact DHoffman@parametrix.com with any questions.   Raising the Bar Raising the Bar is a county-wide initiative committed to keeping youth events substance-free through policy that prohibits adult drinking or drug use at youth-centered events. As a program of Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships, Raising the Bar works in collaboration with Marin Prevention Network, Marin County Office of Education, Marin Health and Human Services, Marin schools, youth sports teams and organizations and other local community based organizations. Together, we aim to shift norms around substance use and encourage healthy choices by promoting positive adult role modeling. Raising the Bar has a parent survey to better understand perceptions and understanding of drinking and substance use among our community members. Below there is a link to an anonymous survey. Please take a few minutes to fill this out and contribute to this very important work.  English Survey Link   |   Spanish Survey Link     San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903

    Friday, Oct 17 2025

  • Open Seat on SRCS Board of Education, Trustee Area 5...

    Open Seat on SRCS Board of Education, Trustee Area 5 Application Now Available San Rafael City Schools has launched a provisional appointment process to fill an open seat on its Board of Education, representing Trustee Area 5. The vacancy was created following the recent resignation of Isai Rodas. Individuals interested in applying must reside within  Trustee Area 5 (link for map) and meet the eligibility requirements listed below. The selected appointee will serve a one-year term. Application Information Qualified individuals are invited to apply to fill the open seat. Click here to view the application or call 415-492-3233 to request a paper copy. The application deadline is Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, by 4 pm. Applications, along with a résumé, must be submitted by the deadline electronically to superintendent@srcs.org or mailed/hand-delivered to: Office of the Superintendent, 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903. Interested candidates may schedule an informational meeting with Superintendent Carmen Diaz Ghysels prior to the interview process to discuss the roles and responsibilities of serving on the Board. Eligibility Requirements 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 5 A registered voter Not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state to hold a civil office Selection Process Public interviews of eligible candidates are scheduled to take place at a Special Board Meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 at 4 pm (open to the public). The four current Board members will interview qualified applicants who submit applications by the deadline. Following the interviews, the Board will deliberate and select the successful candidate. The selected appointee will be sworn in during the Regular Board Meeting immediately following the Special Meeting on Nov. 18. Term Timeline The term timeline for the Area 5 seat is as follows: The appointee will serve a one-year term that is up for election in Nov. 2026, the next regularly-scheduled SRCS Board of Education election. The election in Nov. 2026 is for a two-year term that is up for election in Nov. 2028.   Beginning in Nov. 2028, the seat will return to a regular four-year term. About the Board 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 Tuesdays of each month; Closed Session usually begins at 5 pm and Open Session begins at 6 pm.  Learn more about Board meetings.  Questions For more information or assistance, please contact 415-492-3233 or superintendent@srcs.org. San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way San Rafael, CA 94903

    Wednesday, Oct 15 2025

  • Free Public Library Card for SRCS Students

    Dear Families,  San Rafael City Schools, San Rafael Public Library and the Marin County Free Library are partnering to expand student access to educational and entertaining books, homework help, movies, and more. An integral part of this program is for every student to obtain a public library card.   Librarians from the San Rafael Public Library and Marin County Free Library  will provide every TK-12th grade student with a library card. FREE!  (If your child already has a card, both cards may be used and will work.)   San Rafael Public Library and Marin County Free Library are places for children, families and caregivers to connect, learn and grow together.   Education 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. More good news! SRPL and MCFL do  not charge fines for items returned late. You still must return items to the Library to avoid replacement charges. The Library will send you reminders.   OPT OUT: If you want to CANCEL your child’s free library card, please return the attached form to the school office by October 17, 2025. Questions? Please call 415-492-3222 Sincerely,   Lana Adlawan Director of County Library Services Marin County Free Library         Tess Henderson SRCS District Librarian San Rafael City Schools Daniel Avalos Assistant Library & Recreation Director City of San Rafael

    Friday, Oct 10 2025

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

    DELAC (District English Learner Advisory Committee / Comité Distrital para Aprendices del Idioma Inglés) AGENDA Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 el jueves 9 de octubre 6 - 7:30 pm Zoom Info/Link: https://srcs-org.zoom.us/j/87362006409 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/87362006409 . Nuestra reunión se llevará en español con traducción al inglés disponible a pedido. Durante esta reunión: Nuestro Sub Superintendente de Servicios Financieros, Bob Marcucci, compartirá información importante sobre el presupuesto del distrito y explicará cómo las familias pueden participar compartiendo sus ideas y recomendaciones a través del Comité Asesor del Presupuesto del Distrito. Tendremos una presentación para familias sobre el informe del ELPAC y el proceso de reclasificación, donde explicaremos cómo entender el progreso de su hijo(a) en el aprendizaje del inglés y los siguientes pasos en el proceso. También escucharemos actualizaciones de las escuelas y habrá un espacio para comentarios y sugerencias de la comunidad para fortalecer los programas y servicios para nuestros estudiantes multilingües. Please join us for our District English Learners Advisory Committee meeting (DELAC) on 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/87362006409 . Our meeting will be held in Spanish with English translation available upon request.  This meeting will include: A presentation from our Deputy Superintendent of Business Services, Bob Marcucci, sharing important updates about our district budget and explaining how families can share their input through the District Budget Advisory Committee (DBAC). A presentation on the ELPAC score report and reclassification process, where we’ll walk through how to understand your child’s English language progress report and what it means for next steps. School updates and an open community forum to share ideas and feedback that support our multilingual learners.

    Thursday, Oct 09 2025

  • Open Seat on Board of Education, Trustee Area 5

    Open Seat on Board of Education, Trustee Area 5 Yesterday, Isai Rodas submitted his resignation from his position as a member of the San Rafael City Schools Board of Education, effective immediately. To begin the process of filling the vacancy, the Board will discuss the matter at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 6 pm. At that time, the Board will consider two options for filling the seat: Conducting a provisional appointment process or Ordering a special election Following the meeting, the District will share an update with additional details and next steps. Mr. Rodas was elected to a four-year term in Nov. 2024 to represent Trustee Area 5 . Anyone filling the vacancy will do so for the remainder of that term, and they must reside within Area 5. Learn more about the District’s trustee areas and view a map of the boundaries.     San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903

    Wednesday, Oct 08 2025