LEAP MEETING room 20, lower campus next to library 7:00-8:15
The Gym at Lagunitas School is open and staffed for clean air recreation today from 12 - 5 pm and this weekend from 12 - 7 pm. This community support is to provide an indoor space to move around or simply be away from smoke-filled air.
Closing school is never easy but today I am very glad we did. I stood at the crosswalk this morning to intercept anyone who didn’t get the message yesterday which gave me a few minutes to stand in the smoky air and fully grasp how bad the conditions are. At 8:00 the Air Quality Index was at a very unhealthy 240. I am glad that I didn’t see any children biking or walking to school.
Closing the school was the right thing to do but that decision never feels good. People’s routines are disrupted, plans have to change, lessons and events have to be scrapped or re-scheduled; it’s always a hassle.
But In the quiet, smoke-filled air behind the limited protection of my respirator mask, I thought of the schools in Butte County, some of which no longer exist, of a whole town that has been burned and of people who are living with a tragedy that makes our situation seem insignificant. There are things we can do to help but Paradise and the surrounding area will never be the same. I’d like to encourage anyone who is able to send support (money is most efficient) to agencies who are providing relief. Butte County Schools has set up an easy link that we can use to contribute: https://www.nvcf.org/fund/butte-county-schools-fire-relief-fund/ . There are many other agencies providing relief as well.
Since many of us have an unexpected day off, I’d like to encourage you to use some time to check your own preparedness. Fire season is much longer that it used to be and having a Go Bag and an escape plan is essential year-round. https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
As Thanksgiving comes up next week, it’s clear that we have a lot to be thankful for- we’ve had some near misses with fire and the air is terrible but our community is strong and intact. Please stay safe… and indoors as much as possible. We look forward to seeing all our students back at school after the break and hopefully under clear skies fresh air.
Happy Thanksgiving,
John Carroll,
Superintendent
The Lagunitas School District will be closed tomorrow, Friday, November 16. Due to air quality in the “Very Unhealthy” range. Marin County school superintendents discussed the issue late this afternoon and are in agreement that closing schools is in the best interest of our students' health.
We recognize that school closures can create significant inconvenience for some families and we appreciate your cooperation and understanding at this time.
Thank you,
John Carroll, Superintendent
Many of you have inquired about how to help the victims of the Butte County wild fire. The Butte County Office of Education created the Schools Fire Relief Fund to provide a one-stop location where individuals or organizations can provide support directly to schools in Butte County. Donors can either specify a specific district or use (textbooks, clothes, etc.) for the funds or make an open donation.
Donations can be made online at https://www.nvcf.org/fund/butte-county-schools-fire-relief-fund/
From Superintendent John Carroll:
Schools in Marin County will remain open today, Thursday, November 15. We will continue to follow guidance from the Health Department and modify activities as needed. If your child has been having a significant reaction to the poor air conditions and you choose to keep them home, please notify the office as soon as possible.
Mayor Fryday will be joining us tomorrow to talk about his work as an activist mayor. This is part of the speaker series related to the 8th grade Equity and Activism Project. However, all three grades will attend as well as 8th graders from Bolinas Stinson and San Domenico.
Air quality at school has declined rapidly this afternoon as a result of fires north of us in Glenn County. Students should stay inside and staff should leave campus as soon as practical after students are dismissed.
From The Lagunitas School District: There is an active yellow jacket nest on the hillside next to the upper campus parking lot- 6 feet from the curb above the handicapped parking space. Please avoid the area until further notice. Vector control has been called.
Not a surprise but always nice to get a healthy report about the lead test for the school's drinking water. MMWD tested at 4 locations and all came in at safe levels.
Open Classroom and Montessori kids participating together in the Bike Rodeo. Thanks Marin Bicycle Coalition/ Safe Routes to Schools/ TAM for making it happen
Don't let the kids down; it is their future- Get out and vote!
Mark your calendar for the next LEAP Give Back at Arti! On Monday, November 5, for lunch and dinner, eat in or take out, Arti will give a percentage of the profits to LEAP. All three programs of the Lagunitas School District will benefit! So, enjoy a delicious Indian meal at Arti with the convenience of its valley location while supporting the schools!
LEAP Board
Auditions for the San Francisco Boys Chorus are coming up. https://www.sfbc.org/sfbc/index.php/auditions
From LEAP:
PARENTS-
Please remember to return the signed form that came home from school in a pledge envelope last week. We'd like to have feedback on those forms from all parents.
If you have not pledged, now is the time.
https://leap4education.org/parent-pledge/
If you think you are pledging, please verify this with James (james10021@gmail.com)
If you prefer, come chat with a LEAP rep on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday before and after school stationed outside of each program location.
THANK YOURSELVES- we are making progress!
Come together at the Gestalt Haus tonight, Tuesday 10/23, for the next LEAP Give Back Night!
A percentage of the proceeds that evening will support all three programs. The Gestalt Haus is located at 28 Bolinas Road in Fairfax. We look forward to seeing you there!
Lagunitas Board of Trustees approves the 8th grade Equity and Activism Project field trip to Civil Rights historical sites in Alabama and Georgia. Promises to be a profound learning experience for our students.
Dear Parents,
This week we sent home a pledge envelope with each student. These envelopes also contain your scrip cards. We receive money every month from scrip, if you remember to use these cards each time you shop at United or the Good Earth it is free money for our school.Every envelope needs to be returned with a signature that you have received it.
Please consider pledging if you haven't already. Any amount helps, and every dollar goes right back to our students. Currently, pledge pays for Spanish, electives, and field trips.
Thank you,
LEAP
www.leap4education.org
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