Skip to main content
District

SRCS Updates (Sept): News from around the District for our SRCS Community

Posted Date: 9/19/24 (4:12 PM)
View Original Post


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:

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. 

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