Hello LCMSD Community,

Enrollment for new students to LCMSD for the 2026-2027 school year is now open on our district website.  

Round 1 of new student enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year will close on January 31st. 

Enrolling in Round 1 significantly increases the chance your child is placed in your preferred elementary school (Cove or Neil Cummins), so complete your enrollment now for any students who will be new to LCMSD next school year!

This enrollment process is for students NEW to the district. Students currently enrolled in the district do not need to enroll again - they will automatically be rolled up into the next school year. This includes fifth grade students moving on to Hall Middle School. If your child is currently enrolled and is NOT planning to attend school in LCMSD next year, please complete this Student Exit Survey.

Enrollment Process

Go to the LCMSD Enrollment Website for information about the documents you will need to upload and how to begin the online process. Before enrolling, check your home address against the LCMSD Boundary Street Listing to ensure your address is within the district boundaries. You can also check your property tax statement. If your address does not appear on this list, you are not in the LCMSD boundaries. Click on LCMSD Enrollment Instructions to begin the process. For assistance with the enrollment process, please contact Edith Valencia at evalencia@lcmschools.org or 415.927.6960 ext 4. 

Enrollment Timeline

The district prioritizes elementary school placement based on enrollment date. The earlier you register, the better your chances of getting your school preference. Here are the enrollment rounds and notification dates:

Round 1

• Enrollment Window: December 1 - January 31

• Placement Notification: February 13

Round 2

• Enrollment Window: February 1 - April 30

• Placement Notification: May 15

Round 3

• Enrollment Window: May 1 - July 31

• Placement Notification: August 5

Enrollments after July 31

• Notification will be as soon as possible, prior to the first day of school in August. Final waitlist adjustments will be made by the 10th day of the start of the new school year.

School Placement Criteria

Parents have the opportunity to state a preference for a particular elementary school during the online enrollment process. The District office determines final placement based on the following prioritized criteria:

1. Enrollments are prioritized based on enrollment dates. See "Enrollment Timeline” above for enrollment rounds and notification dates.

2. Siblings of currently enrolled students will be enrolled in the same school if they choose; however, this placement may not always be at your school of choice. The currently enrolled sibling must be in attendance at the requested school when enrolling your new student.

3. Addresses within The Cove School or Neil Cummins Neighborhood Parameters (per AR 5111.1). Key Codes for streets within the Neighborhood Parameters are shown as (NC) for Neil Cummins and (TCS) for The Cove School on the List of Streets Within District Boundaries.

4. Facility capacity and class size.

Notification of elementary student placement will be according to the registration window and round notification timelines above. Waitlist requests will be reviewed at each round of notification, and placements will be made accordingly. Notification will only be provided when space is available. If you are not notified, you will remain on the waitlist.

School Waitlist & Lottery

Parents identify their school of preference during the online enrollment process. At that time, they also indicate if they would like to be placed on a waitlist if their school of preference is not available. Should the school of choice not be available at the time of placement, students will be placed on a waitlist.

• Round 1 Only: Siblings and students living the neighborhood attendance parameters will be automatically placed at their school of residence. All others will be placed in the lottery.

• Waitlisted students will be placed via public lottery for each enrollment round, following the district prioritized criteria shown in "School Placement Criteria" above per AR 5111.1

• It is the District’s desire to keep siblings together whenever possible. If one child has a space at the school of choice and the other child(ren) does not, parents have a choice. They may choose to stay at the school where there is space for all siblings to attend, or they may choose to accept the opening for the child at the school of choice and remain on the waitlist for the other child(ren).

• When you are notified that space for your child is available at your school of preference, you will have 72 hours to respond to the District with your decision.

• If you decide not to accept the space or do not respond within 72 hours, the District will move down the list in order of priority to the next student on the waitlist.

For more information about attendance areas and lottery procedures, see Administrative Regulation 5111.1 District Residency.

Please note: Enrolling in Round 1 significantly increases the chances of your child being placed in your preferred elementary school (Cove or Neil Cummins). 

Transitional Kindergarten Information

Transitional Kindergarten will not be offered for the 2026-2027 school year. See Information About Transitional Kindergarten for more information. While LCMSD does not offer UPK/TK programs, families who meet California State Preschool Program (CSPP) criteria may have access to free preschool services. CSPP eligibility includes income limits, current aid recipients, children experiencing homelessness, children receiving protective services, or those with exceptional needs. If your family meets these criteria, we encourage you to explore preschool options available through the College of Marin.

Kindergarten Information

Birthdates for Kindergarten Enrollment (2026-2027)

Students born on or before September 1, 2021 (students turning 5 years old on or before September 1, 2026)

Holding Students Back

• Children eligible for Kindergarten are not required to enroll, as Kindergarten is not mandatory.

• However, parents and guardians must enroll their children in school once they reach the age of six (EC Section 48200). It is a school-based decision, with parental input, whether the six-year-old student will be enrolled in Kindergarten or first grade. For first grade enrollment, California law requires a child to be six years old on or before September 1 to be legally eligible for first grade (EC Section 48010).

Kindergarten Class Sizes

Our goal is to maintain an average of 24 students per classroom.

-Daniel Norbutas, Director of Educational Services and Technology

Dear LCMSD Community,

Last night, the LCMSD Board appointed and swore in Jessica Dinday as the next Trustee to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Eric Schmautz. We were fortunate to have four highly qualified applicants, each bringing unique strengths, experiences, and a strong commitment to LCMSD. We sincerely appreciate the engagement of our community throughout this process.

As a parent who has had children attend all three LCMSD schools, Jessica brings a deeply rooted and well-rounded perspective to the Board. She has been an active and engaged volunteer in our district for many years, serving as PTO Co-President at Neil Cummins, helping lead major community-building initiatives, and contributing to districtwide collaboration efforts. Jessica also currently serves on the Hall Middle School Site Council, adding valuable school-level perspective to her work. Professionally, she brings extensive experience as a therapist, clinical supervisor, and program manager supporting children and families - expertise that aligns closely with our district’s commitment to student well-being, belonging, and academic success.

Jessica joins the Board with a strong history of partnership, service, and student-centered leadership. Congratulations Jessica!

Dear LCMSD Families,

In January 2025, LCMSD reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safe, inclusive, and welcoming schools for ALL students and families. Additionally, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the CA Safe Haven Schools and SAFE Acts into law in October 2025.

LCMSD is dedicated to:

• Protecting the rights and privacy of all students and families, regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or disability.

• Ensuring that our schools remain safe spaces for learning, free from fear, discrimination, or harassment.

• Following clear procedures should federal immigration authorities request access to our campuses.

Our district will not allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on campus without prior legal authorization, and all staff have been informed of appropriate procedures if such a situation arises.

We understand that immigration-related concerns can be stressful for many families, and we want to ensure you have access to reliable information and support. Please see the resources below:

• Canal Alliance Alerts Flyer – Stay informed about immigration activities in Marin County by signing up for real-time updates via WhatsApp.

• Immigration Legal Services Flyer – Access legal assistance for immigration-related matters through Canal Alliance’s trusted services.

• What to do if ICE arrives in Marin [English | Spanish]

• MCOE Website with information and resources for families, both in Spanish and English.

At LCMSD, we believe that every child and family belongs, and we will continue working to provide an environment where all students feel safe, valued, and supported.

If you have any questions or need additional support, please feel free to reach out to your school administrator, Daniel Norbutas, or me.

Thank you for your partnership in making our schools a welcoming place for all.

Dr. Brett Geithman

Superintendent

Dear LCMSD Parents and Families, 

I am writing to share important information about two new California laws, Assembly Bill 49 (AB 49) and Senate Bill 98 (SB 98), recently signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. These laws directly impact our school communities and reinforce our commitment to keeping all students safe and secure.

Our schools have been, and will continue to be, safe havens for every child. These new laws strengthen that promise by providing specific protections for our students and families.

What These New Laws Mean for You and Your Child

• Schools are Protected Spaces: Under AB 49, a law known as the California Safe Haven Schools Act, school employees are prohibited from allowing immigration enforcement officers to enter a non-public area of our campuses without a valid judicial warrant or court order. This law ensures that unauthorized immigration enforcement activities cannot disrupt your child's education or cause fear within our schools.

• Families Will Be Notified: SB 98, or the Sending Alerts to Families in Education (SAFE) Act, requires our district to immediately notify all students, parents, and staff if we confirm that immigration enforcement agents are present on a school campus. This ensures you have timely and accurate information to make the best decisions for your family.  

Our schools are committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all students to learn and thrive. We want to be very clear that every child has a right to a free public education in California, regardless of their or their family’s immigration status. 

We will not share your child's personal information with immigration officials without a proper judicial warrant or court order.

For additional information about your child’s right to a public education and other resources, please visit the Marin County Office of Education website. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brett Geithman

Superintendent

• Growth in All Areas: English Language Arts (+2%), Math (+5%), and Science (+3%)

• More than 50% of students exceed math standards at all schools (and over 76% met or exceed standards)

• CAASPP student score reports for current 4th-8th graders can be accessed via Aeries

• District and school CAASPP data can be accessed here

• Detailed CAASPP Board Report

Dear LCMSD Community,

Today, the 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) results were publicly released by the California Department of Education. They are available here. We’re excited to share that LCMSD students continue to excel as LCMSD CAASPP results show gains across all subjects:

• English Language Arts (ELA): +2%

• Mathematics: +5%

• Science: +3%

These results reflect the dedication of our students, teachers, staff, and families. It is important to note that more than half of our students exceed standards in math at every school, with 76%+ meeting or exceeding standards.

Each spring, LCMSD students in grades 3-8 participate in the CAASPP assessments, which measure critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing aligned to California’s academic standards. These assessments provide one valuable snapshot of student learning - alongside daily classroom work, projects, and teacher feedback - to help us ensure every student is growing and thriving.

We are proud that this growth is being seen districtwide. The increases in all three subjects show that our long-term focus on literacy, Cognitively Guided Instruction in math, and data-driven interventions is making a difference. These efforts, combined with high-quality teaching, dedicated support staff, and strong family partnerships, are helping students reach new levels of success.

While we celebrate this continued progress, we also remain focused on helping every child meet or exceed state standards. Continuous improvement is part of our culture, and we will use these data to guide next steps in curriculum, instruction, and targeted support.

For families, individual CAASPP score reports for current 4th–8th graders are now available in Aeries. To access your child’s report, log in to Aeries Parent Portal and select Test Scores from the menu.

We invite you to review the detailed CAASPP Report shared at the September 17 Board Meeting for a deeper look at our district and school results.

Congratulations to our students, teachers, staff, and families - your hard work is paying off!

With pride and gratitude,

Dr. Brett Geithman
Superintendent

Daniel Norbutas
Senior Director of Educational Services & Technology

Becoming a Trustee Presentation and Webinar

Here is the link to the recording: https://youtu.be/XGRyJOQcvhs

Here is the link to the slide deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PakHctEa4ZBXHgc5CbvapAXnng7VoqgMzDXKG1lPpAg/edit?usp=sharing

Board Vacancy Application

If you are interested in applying for the LCMSD board vacancy, please complete a Board Vacancy Application Form. Attach a cover letter if you would like to provide additional information.

Applications must be dropped off at the District Office or emailed to kcleary@lcmschools.org by noon on October 24. See the Board Vacancy Timeline for more information about the application process.

Too Long, Didn’t Read (TLDR)

• Where’s My Teacher? Understanding Professional Development in LCMSD

• Becoming a Trustee Workshop – October 8 at 5:00 via Zoom; recording available October 9

• Superintendent Coffee Chat – October 17, 8:30–9:30 a.m. at Neil Cummins (open forum)

• E-Bike Safety Reminder from CMPA

• “Let’s Talk” Parent Education – First Elementary Session

Dear LCMSD Community,

It’s been a full and engaging start to October! I want to thank the many families who participated in SPARK in the Park yesterday. Events like this help strengthen the connections that make LCMSD such a special place to learn and grow.

Also, today kicked off Parent-Teacher Conference Week, an important opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, celebrate growth, and discuss goals for the months ahead. We deeply appreciate the time and collaboration that go into these conversations - they are an essential part of our shared commitment to student success.

Below are a few additional updates and opportunities to connect this month.

Thank you,

Dr. Brett Geithman
Superintendent

Where’s My Teacher? Understanding Professional Development in LCMSD
From time to time, you may hear that your child’s teacher is out for the day to participate in professional learning. These days are not just time away from the classroom - they are an essential part of how we continually grow as educators and strengthen teaching and learning across the district.

At LCMSD, we believe that ongoing professional growth is central to providing the best educational experience for our students. Our professional development framework is multi-layered and intentionally designed to build shared understanding, deepen expertise, and personalize growth.

We are fortunate to have three instructional coaches who guide much of this work:

• Lisa Capobianco – Literacy Coach

• Beth Hawkins – CGI Math Coach

• Nathan Beach – Depth and Complexity Coach (20%)

Our professional learning model includes several interconnected layers:

• Foundational PD – Full-day sessions designed to establish a shared, districtwide understanding of key initiatives and best practices.

• School-Level PD – Site-specific professional learning tied to each school’s goals, often integrated into staff meetings and site-based planning.

• Department (Hall) and Grade-Level (Elementary) Lab Days – Teachers collaborate in teams to analyze data, plan Tier 1 instruction, and engage in classroom-based learning experiences where strategies are modeled and practiced. These sessions are led by our instructional coaches, and substitutes are utilized to cover classrooms.

• EL Education Lab Days  – This year, teachers and administrators will also engage with EL Education staff developers through several Lab Days focused on modeling lessons and deepening understanding of our newly adopted literacy curriculum.

• Individual Coaching – At the most personalized level, teachers work one-on-one with instructional coaches who provide them support tailored to their classroom needs.

Our professional learning focus areas for 2025–26 include:

• Implementing EL Education in literacy across all schools

• Implementing Depth and Complexity at Hall Middle School

• Continuing support for Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) in mathematics

Through this intentional and layered approach, LCMSD educators continue to learn, reflect, and refine their practice, ensuring that every student benefits from high-quality, research-based instruction every day. Thank you in advance for your support and understanding when your child’s teacher is engaging in this important work. 

Becoming a Trustee Workshop: Wednesday, October 8 at 5:00 via Zoom (LINK)
With a current vacancy on the LCMSD Board of Trustees, this workshop is a great opportunity for community members to learn more about what it means to serve. Current Trustees and I will share information about the role, responsibilities, and appointment process. Whether you are considering applying or simply want to better understand Board governance, we encourage you to attend. A recording will be posted (HERE) on October 9 for anyone unable to join live.

Superintendent Coffee Chat: October 17, 8:30–9:30 a.m. at Neil Cummins
Coffee chats are a great venue for parents to learn more and partner with our schools. This month’s chat will be open-ended - any and all questions are encouraged. As always, parents from all schools are welcome to attend.

E-Bike Safety Message from CMPA
The Central Marin Police Authority (CMPA) reminds families that only certain e-bikes are legally permitted for student use; please see this letter from Chief Norton. Note, only Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on LCMSD campuses and no e-scooters are allowed. For more information, please visit this website. Thank you for helping us keep students safe on their way to and from school.

Parent Education: “Let’s Talk” Series
Supported by the Marin County Office of Education (MCOE) and Raising the Bar, we invite parents and caregivers to join the first elementary session of the Let’s Talk series on Wednesday, October 15, from 7:00–8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Guest speaker Annie Egan, MA, will guide a discussion on key parenting topics, including:

• Different parenting styles

• Effective communication strategies

• Building strong, trusting connections with children