SRCS December Updates: Holiday Message; Wellness Resources; Open Board Seat; TK / K Info Sessions; STEAM Building Award & More

Message from the Superintendent

Dear San Rafael City Schools Community,  As December unfolds, it is a time to celebrate the spirit of the season, enjoy family and friends, cherish time together, reflect on the year passed and year to come, and support all within our community.  One of our District values - joy - particularly stands out this time of year. Our elementary school students have dazzled with their incredible art, music and dance performances at their culminating events in partnership with Youth in Arts (Venetia Valley's event pictured top right). Davidson Middle School's steel pans and band classes showcased their growth and talent at performances for families and staff that filled the gym (pictured bottom right).  While our high schoolers have been busy taking final exams, I'm grateful that there were "Stress Less" events and opportunities for students to understand that self-care is an essential part of their well-being, especially when they are under increased amounts of stress. Terra Linda High School students also spread joy through holiday grams, and there was also the always-festive San Rafael High School Tree Lot that brings joy to many throughout our community while benefiting student programs at the school.  When we return from the break in the New Year, I look forward to further leaning into our work, sharing our successes and challenges and engaging our community about our accomplishments, our wishes, and the steps needed to get there.  I also want to speak directly to our staff and say that as we head into a well-deserved break, I sincerely thank all of you - serving in every position throughout our District - for all you do in supporting our life-shaping work.  It’s my privilege to lead our district as superintendent, and I look forward to what we, as a community, will accomplish for our students in 2024 and beyond. Thank you for being an essential part of SRCS. Sincerely, Carmen Diaz Ghysels Superintendent

Wellness Resources The holiday season is a time for togetherness and joy, but it can sometimes bring stress and grief. Celebrating and connecting with family and friends is important during the holidays, but it's also essential to care for your mental health; it’s important to stay mindful, acknowledge your feelings and reach out for help if needed. To help keep your holidays bright, below are some resources should you or a family member need help. National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ Youth): 866-488-7386 Teen Line: Call 800-852-8336 (6-10 pm PT); Text TEEN to 839863 (6-9 pm PT) Marin Mobile Crisis Unit: Call 415-473-6392 Care Solace: 888-515-0595 or www.caresolace.com/srcs Friendship Line (for Older Adults): 800-971-0016

Reminder: Open Board Seat for Area 1; Applications Due Jan. 16 SRCS has launched a provisional appointment process to fill an open seat on its Board of Education. The open seat was created when Gina Daly recently submitted her resignation. Ms. Daly was elected to a four-year term in 2020 to represent Trustee Area 1; therefore anyone who applies to fill her vacant seat for the remainder of that term must reside in Area 1. Applications are due on Jan. 16 by 4 pm. Public interviews of candidates will take place on Jan. 22 at 4 pm. Learn more.

TK & Kindergarten Information Sessions

Are you, or do you know a 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 Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten for their child for the 2024-25 school year.  District and school leaders, along with teachers, will share information and answer questions about TK and Kindergarten programs, what the typical school day entails, our Dual Language Program, aftercare opportunities, how to enroll and more. Open to All Interested SRCS Families At Sun Valley Elementary School Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6 - 7 pm Presented in English with Spanish interpretation  At Bahia Vista Elementary School Tuesday, Feb. 13, 6 - 7 pm Presented in Spanish with English interpretation

SRHS STEAM Building Receives CHPS Award

We're pleased to share that the new San Rafael High School STEAM Building has earned a Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) Designed status. This distinction demonstrates the project underwent a rigorous design and construction process and is now in compliance with the CA-CHPS high performance school rating system. High performance learning environments deliver many benefits to schools, including making a significant improvement in the health and education of our children, inspiring future leaders and creating a stronger America. We are proud that the STEAM Building has been welcomed into the distinguished rank of educational facilities that are leading the movement to build this generation of healthy, high performance, green schools.

Holiday Break Safety Reminders

Many people will gather this break to celebrate holidays and be with family and friends. Below is some information to ensure our students make informed and healthy decisions and know where to find support if they encounter a situation that is not safe. Fentanyl Use: Fentanyl overdoses are on the rise and fentanyl is often found in counterfeit prescription drugs sold for recreational use. Overdose is the leading cause of death in Marin for residents age 55 and younger, and fentanyl is the most common substance involved in overdose deaths. Learn more  |   Resources  Safe Driving: Driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, including cannabis, is illegal and unsafe. Teens often report not knowing how to seek help when a friend is blacked out or under the influence of drugs and unresponsive and report fearing "getting in trouble." Being safe always takes precedence over getting in trouble; the Good Samaritan laws prevent legal action against someone, and by calling the police or paramedics, they could save a friend's life. Learn more Gun Safety: Access to firearms presents a significant increase in risk for youth. Please do your part to keep any firearms properly stored. Under California law, parents and guardians are responsible for protecting children through safe firearm storage. Learn more  |  Resources

Short Survey on Crossing Guard Program

The Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) is conducting a survey to solicit feedback from students, parents and others about the Marin County Crossing Guard Program funded by TAM. The feedback will be used to assess the effectiveness of the program, to identify areas for potential improvement and to inform future funding decisions. TAM conducts this survey about every five years, so your feedback is very important. Please take a few minutes to complete this Questionnaire (one per student). Survey in English  |  Survey in Spanish  SR2S News We’re proud to partner with Marin County Safe Routes to School, whose mission is to increase the number of children walking and biking to school. Their initiatives integrate health, fitness, traffic relief, environmental awareness and safety. Check out the latest edition of their newsletter, which includes a thank you to volunteers, plans for the spring, Buddy Up! Winners, Ruby Bridges event, E-Bike safety, pedestrian education at Bahia Vista and much more.

San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 9490