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Message from the Counselors
Dear Families,
We are writing to you today as partners in your child's education and well-being. As a school community, we are committed to fostering a safe and healthy environment for our students, both on and off campus. In today's digital world, that commitment extends to the realm of social media.
The purpose of this letter is to address the growing concerns about the impact of social media on our students' mental and emotional health. While social media platforms can be a powerful tool for connection and creativity, they also present significant risks that we must acknowledge and address together.
The Dangers of Social Media:
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Cyberbullying: The anonymity of the internet can embolden individuals to engage in hurtful and harassing behavior, which can have devastating effects on a child's self-esteem and sense of security.
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Mental Health Concerns: The curated, often unrealistic, portrayals of life on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression. The pressure to present a perfect image can be overwhelming for young people.
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Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Without proper supervision, children can be exposed to content that is violent, explicit, or otherwise unsuitable for their age.
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Privacy and Safety Risks: Sharing personal information online can make children vulnerable to predators, identity theft, and other online dangers.
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Impact on Academics: Excessive social media use can lead to a decline in academic performance due to distractions and a lack of focus on schoolwork.
The Importance of Monitoring:
As families, your role in monitoring your child's social media use is crucial. Just as you guide them in making safe choices in the physical world, it is equally important to guide them in the digital world. Consistent monitoring is not about a lack of trust; it is about providing a safety net and a strong foundation for them to make responsible decisions.
Suggestions for Parents/Guardians:
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Open Communication: Talk to your children about their online lives. Ask them about the platforms they use, who they follow, and the content they are creating and consuming. Encourage them to come to you if they encounter anything that makes them uncomfortable.
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Set Clear Rules and Expectations: Establish family rules for social media use, including screen time limits, what apps are allowed, and privacy settings. Make sure these rules are understood and consistently enforced.
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Know Their Passwords: Consider having access to your child's social media passwords. This allows for periodic check-ins and ensures you can intervene if you see concerning behavior.
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Model Responsible Behavior: Your children are watching you. Be mindful of your own social media use and demonstrate healthy digital habits.
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Use Parental Control Tools: Many devices and social media platforms offer parental control features. Use these tools to filter content, limit screen time, and monitor your child's activity.
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Encourage Offline Activities: Help your children find balance by encouraging them to participate in hobbies, sports, and other activities that don't involve a screen.
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Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest social media trends and the potential risks associated with them. The more you know, the better equipped you are to guide your child.
We believe that by working together, we can equip our children with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Ms. Cree K, 2, 4, 6, 8 School Counselor
Ms. Katz 1, 3, 5, 7 School Counselor
| A PEAK INSIDE THE ART CLASSROOM |
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This month, we have been exploring the elements of art; line, shape, color, pattern and texture, in order to develop a vocabulary for understanding and interpreting art. Also, students experimented with different drawing materials such as graphite, charcoal and ink. Students in grades 3-5 draw in their sketchbooks before choosing their favorite elements for final compositions.
Kindergarten: We are a Community of Artists
First Grade: Shapes are all Around Us, Symbols of Kindness Collage
Second Grade: Geometric and Organic Shapes, Matisse Cut-Outs
Third Grade: Abstract and Realistic art, Magical Creatures with Texture
Fourth Grade: Composition, Abstraction, Graffiti Shapes and Symbols
Fifth Grade Abstract Drawing with charcoal and ink, Japanese Notans
A reminder that we are keeping art here to be stored in portfolios, so students can reflect on, revise and present their work throughout the year.
We are looking for a core group of parent volunteers who can help steer the garden toward much needed improvements including pruning of fruit trees, repairs to shed, fencing and planters as well as, seating upgrades. We are so lucky to have such a spacious and beautiful garden. Let's come together to care for it. Reach out to csky@srcs.org if you are interested.
Hello Venetia Valley Families,
Below is some information from the Main Office:
Makeup Picture Day is October 15th
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Student who were absent on September 11th will be pulled from class to take their photo
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If you would like your child(ren) to retake their picture because you are not satisfied with the first round, please call the Main Office at (415) 492-3150
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You can still order pictures!
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For questions, please contact LIFETOUCH at 1-800-736-4753
Head Lice Guidance
VV Middle School Volleyball Season is HERE!
Come by and cheer on our fabulous volleyball girls team on the following times and dates, all games begin at 4:30
0PM:
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Home games:
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Away games:
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Thursday - October 2nd @ Lagunitas
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Thursday - October 16th @ Bolinas
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Thursday - October 30th @ San Domenico
Discover the fun in math—join us for Family Math Night! 🎲✨
Thursday, Oct. 9 • 5:30–7:00 pm
 
Math in Everyday Life – Quick Tips for Families (K–8)
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Cook Together: Let kids measure ingredients, compare amounts, or double a recipe.
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Shop Smart: Have them add prices, estimate totals, or spot deals at the store.
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Play with Time: Ask kids to read clocks, figure out how long until dinner, or set timers.
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Game Night = Math Night: Card games, dice, and board games build number sense.
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Talk Numbers: Count steps, compare heights, or ask “How many more?” in daily routines.
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Money Matters: Let kids count change, track savings, or plan a small budget.
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Patterns Everywhere: Notice shapes, rhythms, or designs in nature, art, and music.
👉 Little moments add up—math is all around us!
For several years in a row, we've had the Vaccination Clinic here at Venetia Valley.
Unfortunately, we will no longer be holding it this school year. However, we wanted to provide you with information about different locations that the Marin Clinic will be supporting with walk-in flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
 
Our Walk 'N Roll Second Event is WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8th.
I Walk:
Tie your laces and get ready for Safe Routes to School's biggest event of the year: The International Walk (and Roll) to School Day on Wednesday, October 8 . All who walk, bike or ride the bus to school can come to the welcome table for a prize and to enter to win a raffle drawing. Carpoolers count – that’s when you travel with one or more families to take cars off the road. Create fond memories this fall!
We will have a meet up spot for our students to walk n' roll together to school:
- Jury Lot meet at 8:25am leaving at 8:30am
Thank you, see you there!
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