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
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- 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
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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
 2024-25 SRCS All Staff Welcome Back Celebration at Terra Linda High School on Aug. 20
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San Rafael City Schools
www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org
310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903
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