Dear LCMSD Families,

Over the past several years, our district has taken significant steps to evolve Hall Middle School's grading practices through the lens of equity, academic excellence, and clear communication. Based on extensive feedback gathered from the Hanover Research focus groups, longitudinal achievement study, and trimester parent/teacher/student pulse surveys, we have determined that the next step in Hall Middle School's grading journey will be to implement an A–F gradebook and report card beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Cove and Neil Cummins will continue the same grade reporting system they are currently using,

This change reflects the feedback of many students and families who have expressed a preference for a more familiar and transparent grading format. While the reporting structure will shift to A–F, our instructional practices will continue to be grounded in equitable practices, standards-referenced grading, and competency-based learning. These will remain central to how we design instruction, assess student proficiency, and provide feedback.

This transition builds on the progress we’ve made over the years. Our staff has strengthened the alignment between classroom activities and standards, clearly defined what it means to demonstrate proficiency, and deepened feedback practices to support student growth and partnership with caregivers. 

Our primary objective remains the same: to clearly and effectively communicate student progress. By maintaining the core instructional values of equity and competency-based teaching while aligning our reporting with community expectations, we believe this approach meets the diverse needs of our school community.

We will be discussing this update in greater detail at the June 10 Board of Trustees meeting and again at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year to ensure our families have clarity in this transition.

Thank you for your continued partnership

Dr. Brett Geithman

Superintendent

TLDR - Too Long Didn’t Read 

• Controlled access for all main offices begins this week. All school visitors will be required to buzz in and state the reason for their visit.

• School Safety Coffee Chat on February 7 at 8:30 at Neil Cummins

• Stay tuned for community feedback meetings regarding potential updates to fencing

• Review updated student release procedures

• Update your Emergency Contacts in Aeries

Dear LCMSD Families,

The safety and security of our students, staff, and school community is our top priority. Below are some important updates regarding LCMSD’s advancement in school safety measures. Additionally, here is our annual safety newsletter from the beginning of the year. 

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe and secure.

Dr. Brett Geithman

Superintendent

Controlled Access for All Main Offices Begins this Week

As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment, we are implementing a controlled access system at all school front entrances (LCMSD Board Policy 1250: Visitors/Outsiders).

Starting tomorrow at Cove and Neil Cummins, and by the end of the week at Hall Middle School, the front office doors will be locked during the school day. Visitors will encounter a camera, intercom, and buzzer system at the front entrance. Upon arrival, visitors will need to ring the intercom, state the reason for their visit, and then office staff will grant access remotely via an iPad.

Please note that staff will continue to have access through designated alternate entrances, ensuring smooth operations while maintaining security protocols.

The controlled access system was identified as a priority through a comprehensive safety study conducted by Hanover Research and Keenan during the 2023-24 school year. Their recommendations were carefully reviewed and prioritized by our School Safety Task Force, ensuring that our schools are equipped with best practices to support the well-being and security of our students and staff.

This initiative aligns with our Vision 2036 commitment to Safety, Health, & Wellness, which emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, nurturing, and connected school environment where the well-being of students and staff is integral to the learning experience. By enhancing campus security, we are upholding our dedication to fostering a sense of security for all while maintaining proactive and adaptive safety measures.

We appreciate your cooperation as we implement this important security measure. 

School Safety Coffee Chat on February 7 at Neil Cummins from 8:30 am - 9:30 am

Parent, staff, and community engagement is essential to our District’s success. We will begin this chat focused on school safety updates, followed by an opportunity to ask any district-related questions. Parents from Cove, Hall, and Neil Cummins are welcome. I look forward to seeing you there!

Coming Soon . . . Community Input Sessions Regarding School Fencing Updates
On November 12, 2024, the LCMSD Board approved a contract with the architecture firm responsible for designing Cove School and modernizing Neil Cummins and Hall Middle to draft potential fencing updates for all three school sites. This decision follows recommendations from the 2023-24 Hanover and Keenan studies, which identified fencing upgrades as a key way to enhance school security.

The School Safety Task Force reviewed the studies and developed a priority list of improvements. Since there are various approaches to addressing this need, drafts for each school are being created to facilitate informed discussions and gather community input. We anticipate hosting feedback meetings at each school as early as February. Stay tuned for updates and dates - your input will help shape these important decisions. 

Updated Emergency Student Release Procedures

During an active emergency, staff members are prioritized to enact critical safety procedures, which require their full focus and attention. It’s important to note that all Emergency Operation Procedures (EOP) include a student release plan. However, please understand that reaching the student release portion of the EOP may take some time and typically falls towards the end of the EOP. Please review our emergency student release procedure as follows:

• During an emergency or security threat, parents/guardians and emergency contacts will be directed to a student release location to pick up students

• This might be a location other than the school office

• Parents/caregivers must wait at the student release location until staff are available to start releasing students

• Students will be released to parents/guardians or emergency contacts only - we will no longer take phone calls or email requests to release students to other contacts

• Please have a photo ID ready

Update Your Emergency Contacts

If student release procedures are enacted, students will be released to parents/guardians or the emergency contacts listed in Aeries only, with a valid photo ID. We will no longer take phone calls or emails to release students to other contacts. Please take a few minutes to update your emergency contacts in Aeries to add any additional adults who are authorized to pick up your child in the event of an emergency. This includes older siblings, family members, friends, or other parents.

Too Long, Didn’t Read (TLDR)

• Coffee Chat on We Are One Lessons at Cove on 12/11 from 8:30-9:30 am 

• Coffee Chat on Transitional Kindergarten at Neil Cummins on 12/18 from 8:30-9:30 am 

• Data Learning Labs - Teachers are Taking Data to Action

• English Language Arts Second Pilot to Begin in February (EL Education)

• Post-Tsunami Alert Reflections and Next Steps

Dear LCMSD Community,

This fall, our district has been engaged in meaningful conversations, new initiatives, and reflective planning as we work together to support our students and staff. Coffee Chats have provided a valuable space for connecting with parents, answering questions, and sharing updates. Meanwhile, our Data Learning Labs are empowering educators to utilize student data more effectively, driving instructional decisions and fostering academic growth.

We’re also thrilled to launch our second ELA Curriculum Pilot, exploring research-based resources to strengthen literacy instruction for all learners. In addition, following the recent tsunami alert, we’ve taken time to reflect and refine our safety protocols to further emergency preparedness. 

These updates highlight the heart of our work—collaboration, continuous learning, and a commitment to student success. Thank you for your partnership in making LCMSD an exceptional place for education and community. Please see below for details on this important work. 

Dr. Brett Geithman
Superintendent

Upcoming Superintendent Coffee Chats: December 2024
We’re excited to announce two upcoming coffee chats this month! These gatherings provide an excellent opportunity for parents to connect, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions about our schools. Future and current parents from all LCMSD schools are welcome to attend either or both sessions. Future and current parents from all LCMSD schools are welcome to attend either or both sessions.

Wednesday, December 11 | 8:30–9:30 AM at Cove School
Topic: We Are One Lessons
This session will begin with a 20-minute overview of the We Are One curriculum, designed to foster inclusivity and self-awareness among students. Following the overview, we’ll hold a 20-minute Q&A focused on the program. The final 20 minutes will be an open-ended discussion where parents can bring up any district-related topics.

Wednesday, December 18 | 8:30–9:30 AM at Neil Cummins School
Topic: Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
In this session, we will discuss the district’s decision not to offer Transitional Kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year. Parents will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain clarity on this matter. The session will follow the same structure: a 20-minute overview, 20-minute topic-specific Q&A, and 20 minutes of open discussion.

Where’s My Teacher? Data Learning Labs - Taking Data to Action
You might have noticed a substitute in your child’s classroom for a couple of days this fall. That’s because our teachers have been busy taking data to action! So far, we’ve had two dedicated Data Learning Lab days, with three more scheduled throughout the year. These days are strategically planned following iReady assessments and other key timeframes to ensure teachers have the most relevant data to guide their instruction.

During these full-day sessions, Beth Hawkins, our math coach, and Lisa Capobianco, our literacy coach, collaborate with teachers to analyze assessment results and plan next steps to meet the specific learning needs of their students. Grade-level teams from Neil Cummins and Cove come together for these labs, fostering cross-site collaboration and shared strategies. At Hall Middle School, teachers engage in full-day labs dedicated to either ELA or math, allowing for department-specific exploration and planning.

Tier I instruction is a key focus during learning labs. Tier I instruction refers to high-quality, research-based teaching strategies and practices implemented in the classroom for all students. It forms the foundation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework and aims to meet the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of all learners. Tier 1 instruction ensures equitable access to grade-level standards through standards-aligned, evidence-based teaching strategies. Teachers use assessment data to monitor progress and tailor instruction to address diverse learning styles and abilities. This approach includes small group instruction, which provides targeted differentiation based on students’ specific needs. 

At LCMSD, we are proud to dedicate 1% of our budget to professional development, underscoring our belief in investing in our educators. We are fortunate to have exceptional coaches like Ms. Hawkins and Ms. Capobianco, whose expertise elevates teaching practices and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. A huge thank you to our coaches for their leadership and to our teachers for embracing this impactful work!

ELA Curriculum Adoption Update: Pilot Program Announced
We are excited to provide an update on our English Language Arts (ELA) adoption process. This year, the Elementary Curriculum Council has been diligently working to identify a curriculum that is aligned with the science of reading and best supports our students’ learning.

The Curriculum Council developed detailed evaluation criteria to guide the selection process, ensuring alignment with our district's goals and values, as well as best practices in literacy instruction. These criteria were shared with publishers ahead of their presentations, allowing them to tailor their responses to address each element. Several publishers praised the team for its thoughtful and organized approach.

As part of our commitment to transparency and community involvement, we hosted a Parent Preview Window during the last week of October. Parents were invited to review materials from the five publishers under consideration—Benchmark Advance, EL Education, Amplify CKLA, i-Ready Magnetic Reading, and Collaborative Literacy—and provide feedback. We appreciate the valuable insights shared by our families during this event.

After evaluating all feedback and materials, the team decided to move forward with piloting EL Education. During planning discussions, EL Education informed us of a curriculum update for the 2025-26 school year and agreed to provide access to these updated materials for our pilot.

To use these new materials, we had to revise our pilot timeline. Teacher training for the pilot will begin in January 2025, with the pilot starting in February 2025. This will keep us on track for spring data collection, comparison with last spring’s pilot of Benchmark Advance, and a possible recommendation for Board approval by April/May. 

Thank you to the teachers, staff, and parents who have contributed to this comprehensive and collaborative process, as well as Daniel Norbutas for his leadership and facilitation of this work. Your feedback and dedication play a vital role in helping us select the best resources for our students. We look forward to sharing updates as we continue this important work!

Post-Tsunami Alert Reflections and Next Steps

As we reflect on the recent tsunami alert, I want to express my deepest gratitude to teachers, staff, principals/leadership, the Office of Emergency Services (OES), the Central Marin Police Authority (CMPA), and the Marin County Office of Education (MCOE). The swift and coordinated response from all parties ensured the safety and well-being of our students. Additionally, as with all situations involving the implementation of our emergency operating procedures, we are using this experience as an opportunity to reflect and continuously improve our emergency response.

Throughout the day, we sent multiple communications to keep you updated on the situation as it unfolded. At Cove, teachers and staff efficiently moved students to higher ground in an organized and calm manner within minutes of OES/CMPA’s order. Across all sites, staff engaged students in restorative circles to clarify facts, answer questions, and identify any students who might need additional Tier II support with counselors or designated staff.

We are grateful to the parents who followed instructions to keep roads clear and avoid campuses during the response. This cooperation allowed emergency responders and school staff to focus on their critical tasks and helped ensure the safety of all.

While the event was handled efficiently, we can always learn and grow from these experiences. When an emergency or potential emergency is initiated—such as last week’s tsunami alert triggered by notifications on our phones—schools immediately follow established Emergency Operating Procedures (EOPs) for that specific event. A few key reminders for future situations:

1. Read emails and follow guidance: During emergencies, the district will immediately contact the appropriate authorities and communicate important updates and instructions via email. Please take a moment to read these messages and follow the guidance provided.

2. Follow directions from staff: Our staff are trained to manage these situations. Please follow their instructions and cooperate fully to help us maintain an organized and safe environment.

3. Stay clear of schools until we message that student release has begun: For your safety and the safety of responders, please avoid approaching the school or evacuation areas during emergencies. You will be notified via Parent Square when the student release process is initiated.

4. Student Release: It’s important to note that all EOPs include a student release plan. However, please understand that reaching the student release portion of the EOP may take some time and typically falls towards the end of the EOP. During an active emergency, staff members are prioritized to enact critical safety procedures, which require their full focus and attention. As a result, we will have very minimal staff available to process student release requests. This is intentional, as the safety and well-being of all students and staff must come first.

Additionally, please know that during emergencies, LCMSD works closely with first responders to ensure we have the most up-to-date and accurate information as the situation unfolds. It’s important to remember that on any given day, one of the largest gatherings of people in our community is at our schools. The safety of students and staff is the top priority for both the district and emergency personnel. All judgment calls are made with an abundance of caution to protect our students and staff, and our decisions reflect a conservative approach to ensure their well-being at all times.

Thank you again for your understanding, support, and partnership in ensuring our schools remain safe spaces for all.

Additional Resources:

• October 15, 2024 Newsletter with Safety Updates

• August 28, 2024 Safety Newsletter

TLDR:

• Coffee Chat on October 18 at Neil Cummins from 9:00-10:00 (all district families welcome)

• Pulse survey coming soon for Imagine Tomorrow Together 

• Outdoor education was a big success

• Safety Update Video (Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean)

• Board Meeting October 23

• Get to know the Board Candidates on Tuesday October 29 at 7:30pm (Zoom link)

Dear LCMSD Community,

As we transition into the fall season, I am excited to begin this newsletter by honoring National Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month and Indigenous Peoples’ Day. These observances celebrate the rich cultural contributions and histories of our Hispanic, Latin American, and Indigenous communities, whose resilience and traditions have shaped the fabric of our society. At LCMSD, we believe that diversity is our strength, and these celebrations remind us of the importance of inclusivity and understanding as we build a future for all of our students. Speaking of the future, we are excited about the key District initiatives currently underway—each one focused on fostering a thriving and safe learning environment. Below you will find the LCMSD updates.

Dr. Brett Geithman

Superintendent

Coffee Chat: Let’s Connect!

Parent, staff, and community engagement is essential to our District’s success. Join me for a Coffee Chat on October 18 from 9:00-10:00 AM at Neil Cummins for an open discussion. Parents from Cove, Hall, and Neil Cummins are welcome, and all topics and questions are encouraged. I look forward to seeing you there!

LCMSD 2036: Imagine Tomorrow Together 

Our visioning initiative is in full swing, and we’re excited about the progress being made! The Guiding Coalition (see photo above) - composed of Hall and Redwood students, parents, teachers, staff, community and business leaders, and elected officials - met for the second time recently. During this meeting, we reviewed all feedback gathered from surveys, student engagement sessions, community sessions, and the Board. These data were compiled and shared with the coalition, which then worked in teams to create prototypes of the Graduate, Adult, and Systems Portraits.

The next step in this process is a quick pulse survey for all stakeholders to help identify the most important elements of each portrait. Please keep an eye out for this survey in the next two weeks—your input is invaluable as we shape the future of LCMSD together!

Outdoor Education: Learning in Nature

Last week, our 5th graders from both Cove and Neil Cummins had an unforgettable experience at Nature Bridge. They spent three days together immersed in outdoor education, exploring nature, fostering teamwork, and applying classroom learning to real-world environments. These hands-on experiences not only enhanced their understanding of the natural world but also created strong bonds among students. It was a wonderful opportunity for growth and learning beyond the classroom. Thank you 5th grade teachers, staff, and parent volunteers for making this such a fantastic experience!

Safety Updates   Safety Update Video (Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean)

Ensuring the safety of our students and staff remains a top priority. Here’s a look at the recent and upcoming actions we are taking to enhance our safety measures:

Incident Response Protocol: In partnership with Critical Friends, we recently introduced this protocol that works in coordination with our district’s discipline matrix, particularly for incidents involving a protected class. This protocol focuses on education and repair, ensuring responses are both grade-level appropriate and constructive. Our goal is to support student growth through meaningful learning and restorative practices.

Summer Safety Summit: Over the summer, we held a district-wide Safety Summit that brought together staff and safety experts. The summit focused on best practices in restorative circles, first aid and CPR certification, intruder table top exercises and the incident response protocol mentioned above. The insights and strategies developed during this summit are now being integrated into our daily operations. Thanks Amanda Estes and Dr. Toni Brown for your leadership as LCMSD Grant Coordinators!

Neighboring School District/Organization Threat Protocol: We have reviewed and updated our protocols following the September 13 threat to TUHSD. There have been threats to neighboring schools/organizations in the past; however, we haven’t had one at the start of school, which created a unique situation. We have shared this with the School Safety Task Force and trained all staff. Additionally, Dr. Lisa Miller and Scott Ostendorf from MCOE trained all staff in restorative practices specifically during an emergency or potential threat. 

Safety Task Force Meetings: We are continuing to prioritize safety through our ongoing Safety Task Force. The next meeting dates are scheduled for December 4, February 5, and April 30. All parents and community members may join us in these critical discussions even if you didn’t fill out the interest form in the beginning of the school year. Your feedback and involvement are vital as we work together to strengthen our safety practices.

Board Updates

On October 23, 2024 the Board will meet at 6:00 in the Hall Library. Trustees will be presented with an update on the 2024 CAASPP results, the literacy adoption process, and the enrollment and staffing report. Additionally, Trustees will vote on Hall’s single plan for student achievement, the elementary LCAP, and 2024-25 professional services contracts. The meeting will be live-streamed via Zoom (link; passcode - lcmsd). Please know, public comments will only be taken by in person attendees; public comments via Zoom will not be available. We hope to see you there. All agendas can be found here.

Get to Know the LCMSD Board Candidates