Hot Topics

  • The San Rafael Pacifics

    The San Rafael Pacifics and Bradley Real Estate have graciously donated one game voucher for each elementary and middle school student across our County.  These vouchers are good for one general admission ticket during the 2018 Pacifics season.  Such a great way to take part in a traditional summer pastime activity!  Vouchers have been picked up by each District for distribution. Click here to view the Game Schdule.

    Golden Bell Awards Event - May 24, 2018

    Please join us on Thursday, May 24th at 4:30p.m. for the 2018 Golden Bell Award Event at Dominican University.  This annual recognition will honor and celebrate educators and student programs across our County. Click herer to view the invitation to the event and a description of our amazing annual award honorees. To RSVP, please register via the Eventbrite website..

    MCSAA Annual Back to School Kickoff - August 16, 2018

    Our annual Marin MCSAA Back to School event is scheduled for Thursday, August 16th at 3:30p.m. - details to follow. Also, please fill out the 2018-19 MCSAA membership form to submit with your dues of $65 for your annual membership to our local chapter.  Don't hesitate to submit your dues early for the new school year!

    North Bay Leadership Council's Youth Power Speech Scholarship Competition - Submission Deadline July 1, 2018

    The North Bay Leadership Council has decided to host a speech competition for ages 16-20.  The winner of this competition will be their keynote speaker at the Leaders of the North Bay Awards Luncheon and will also receive a cash scholarship.  They also have lesser cash scholarship prizes for several runner ups as well.  Please feel free to spread the information listed below to all you think will benefit.

    Educational Equity: Immigration and Citizenship Status - AB 699

    AB 699 was signed into law on October 5, 2017.  This bill directs LEA's to adopt model policies on limiting assistance with immigration enforcement at schools and ensuring that schools remain safe and accessible to all California residents regardless of immigration status. These model policies or their equivalent need to be adopted by public schools, charter schools, and county offices by July 1, 2018. You will find that the model policies contain similar provisions found in many local board adopted resolutions.  The Attorney General has published model policies and the California School Boards Association (CSBA) is updating their current policies to reflect the new requirements.  Provided are some helpful informational documents.

    2018-2019 Annual Notice to Parents

    Consistent with Education Code section 48980 and other state and federal laws which require districts to annually notify students, parents, and guardians of their legal rights and responsibilities, attached you will find the form appropriate for the 2018-2019 school year. The Annual Notice to Parents will satisfy a school district's obligations under Education Code section 48980 and other state and federal laws addressing annual notice requirements.  Below are some helpful documents in both English and Spanish.

    Graduation Cohort Letter to Superintendents

    Please review the attached letter from Deputy Superintendent Keric Ashley regarding changes to the cohort graduation rate data collection and reporting processes.  Beginning this fall, the California Department of Education will use the Class of 2018 cohort graduation rate in the 2018 California School Dashboard.  To accommodate the reporting of this data in the current year and to align with federal requirements, new data collection and calculation processes will be implemented. 

    2019 California Teachers of the Year Program - Nomination Deadline is Friday, May 4, 2018

    It's once again time to begin the process for nominating Marin County 2019 California Teacher of the Year (TOY).  Districts eligible to submit nominations rotate annually based on an assigned nomination cycle (2019 is Cycle A). The memo outlines the TOY nomination process and districts eligible to submit nominees for the 2019 school year.  Eligibility for the TOY program is limited to candidates who are successful as finalists in their local county nominee process, have been a teacher for at least eight years and meet any of the following criteria:

    • Fully credentialed teachers in public or private schools who teach any pre-k through grade 12
    • Teachers of adults who provide instruction in the same curriculum as those who teach in elementary or secondary grades
    • Instructors who have some administrative responsibilities but for whom teaching students is the primary responsibility.
    • Teachers who are available to fulfill ambassadorial duties during the year of service.

    The deadline for sumbitting TOY nominations is Friday, May 4, 2018 at 5:00pm. Please contact Raquel Rose at 415-499-5891 or rrose@marinschools.org with questions.  You can also find out more information about the TOY process through the California Department of Education website.

    Community Heritage and History Day - May 5, 2018

    Everyone is welcome to this free Saturday event at the Bon Air Shopping Center in Greenbrae.  There will be hands-on activities for kids, a 'music tent' with student jazz bands from Kentfield and Redwood High performing, student artwork from Bacich and Kentfield, lunch boxes from Bon Air restaurants, food trucks, and an extensive 'Outdoor Community Hall' with 50 local organizations showing their works. 

    Earn Your Teaching Credential in Marin County - May 21, 2018 or June 6, 2018

    Brandman University is working directly with Marin County Office of Education to bring a teaching credential cohort to you.  In addition, Brandman University will be offering scholarships towards your teaching education. Time is of the essence.  Attend an informal meeting to learn more about the scholarships available to help you meet your educational goals. Please RSVP by visiting the Eventbrite website

    Educational Art Contest - Submissions Due May 31, 2018

    The above reference link is a letter from Tom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Liliana Ferrer, Consul General of Mexico-Sacramento, announcing the 2018 Children's Drawing Contest with the topic: "History, Traditions, Gastronomy, Beaches, Music." The contest is open to children of all nationalities between the ages of six and fourteen. The contest motivates children to draw and learn about Mexico, its history, traditions, food, beaches, and music.

    Marin County Teacher Induction Program - Information

    As you are aware, in the 2018-19 school year, the MCOE Teacher Induction Program will be moving to a full Fee for Service program.  We have determined that the estimated cost per participating teacher is $2100.  This amount is based on a three year analysis and adjusted according to annual increases.  In an effort to provide more context about what this total charge may be for each district, we have provided a chart that shows the number of participating teachers in each district for the past three years. Click here to view the chart.


    In August 2018 we will be sending an MOU for signature that confirms our partnership and payment installment but for now, please plan for a $2100 charge per participating teacher.  Districts not covering the program fee will be billed $2100 less the $530 program fee (which will be charged to participating teachers).  Those districts that have historically covered the program fee will be billed the entire $2100.  If you plan to proceed differently in relation to covering the program fee, please let us know so we may develop an accurate MOU and bill accordingly.

    Districts Covering Program Fee: ($2100 per participating teacher)

    • Novato, Novato Charter, Nicasio, Reed, Ross, Sausalito-Marin City, Shoreline

    Districts not Covering Program Fee: ($2100 less $530 per participating teacher - $1570)

    • Dixie, Kentfield, Lagunitas, Larkspur-Corte Madera, MCOE, Mill Valley, Ross Valley, San Rafael City Schools, Tamalpais, Willow Creek, Rurals, Bolinas-Stinson, Ross Valley Charter

    Marin Arts Education Week - Kickoff Breakfast Save the Date - September 13, 2018

    You are invited to join local leaders from our business, nonprofit and education communities for a special networking breakfast to celebrate arts education in Marin County.  The Marin Arts Now Community, in partnership with the California Alliance for Arts Education, is hosting this dynamic event to discuss how we can collectively continue to act on our belief that every child deserves access to a quality, sequential and standards-based arts education.  Come hear about current statewide arts education policies and realities, opportunities and efforts occurring in Marin and contribute your voice in support of our students!  Invitation and registration to follow.