TLDR (Too long, didn’t read)

• Take the Raising the Bar Survey (ENGLISH SURVEY LINK; SPANISH SURVEY LINK)

• Check out the Let’s Talk parent resources and workshops

• Register for the MCOE artificial intelligence parent workshops

Dear LCMSD Community,

Partnerships are essential to our students' success. Raising the Bar, the Let’s Talk Series, and the Marin County Office of Education are a few of our amazing partners. Below you will find information and resources from all three.  

Dr. Brett Geithman
Superintendent

Raising the Bar

LCMSD is proud to partner with Raising the Bar, a county-wide initiative committed to keeping youth events substance-free through policy that prohibits adult drinking or drug use at youth-centered events. Research shows that parents and caregivers play a powerful role in shaping young people’s attitudes and decisions around alcohol and other substance use. By working together, we can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our youth – reducing the short- and long-term consequences of underage substance use for adolescents, families, and our broader community. Raising the Bar, a program of Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships works in collaboration with Marin Prevention Network, Marin County Office of Education, Marin Health and Human Services, Marin schools, youth sports teams and organizations and other local community-based organizations. Together, we aim to shift norms around substance use and encourage healthy choices by promoting positive adult role modeling. 

LCMSD requests that all adults abstain from using alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other substances at youth-centered events, during youth sports competitions, and at team celebrations. By collectively promoting healthy behaviors, we can support a safer, healthier environment for all youth. To learn more, please visit rtbmarin.org or email lisa@mhyp.org.

We are working with Raising the Bar this Fall to support a parent survey to better understand perceptions and understanding of drinking and substance use among our community members. Below there is a link to an anonymous survey. Please take a few minutes to fill this out and contribute to this very important work. 

ENGLISH SURVEY LINK

SPANISH SURVEY LINK

Let’s Talk Series  
Let’s Talk is a local initiative dedicated to helping parents and families navigate youth substance use in Marin County. Every year, Let’s Talk holds a series of community discussions during which guest facilitators and topic experts present, and parents/caregivers have the opportunity to learn best practices and share their experiences in a safe, solution-oriented environment.

These FREE offerings are intended to provide support to both you and your families throughout the upcoming school year.  All events will have Spanish interpretation provided (except for the Sept 16 event, which is offered entirely in Spanish).

We’d like to draw your attention to the following September and October events:

Sept 16          Hablemos – Cómo nos cambia la vida familiar al llegar a este país?  (in English – “Let’s Talk - How does our family life change when we arrive in this country?”). Note: Session offered entirely in Spanish.

Oct 8              Let’s Talk: Underage Substance Use in Marin

Oct 15           Let's Talk: The Elementary Years – Laying Strong Foundations: Parenting for Prevention

Visit the Let’s Talk site to explore updated resources that offer guidance for parents and caregivers, and support youth growth and well-being.

MCOE Artificial Intelligence Parent Education Series

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of how children learn, communicate, and create. Future Ready Families is a free, three-part webinar series designed to help parents and caregivers better understand this evolving landscape.

Each session will explore a different aspect of AI in students' lives, including: 

• How children are currently using (and could be using) this technology, 

• Key privacy and safety considerations for families, and 

• How adults can support digital wellness and thoughtful technology habits at home. 

Register HERE

Dear LCMSD Community,

Strong communication is the foundation of successful partnerships. In our final video, Communication, we outline how to best connect with teachers, administrators, and other parents. Topics include:

• When to email vs. call

• The order of who to contact for support

• Setting expectations around time and resources

• Navigating parent communication tools
  
  

📽️ Watch Video 6: Communication

📑 View Slide Deck

We have also created a central hub with all six videos, slide decks, and resources in one place:

🌐 LCMSD Parent Partnership Resource Page

Thank you for engaging with this series and for your continued partnership in supporting every student, every day.

With appreciation,

We are proud to announce an amazing $100,000+ donation of musical instruments that will enrich music education for all LCMSD students. See the press release below for details!

The Larkspur-Corte Madera School District (LCMSD) band program has received a transformative gift of over $100,000 to fund a full set of instruments for all 5th through 8th grade students donated directly by the Freemasons. The donation was facilitated by SPARK – the Larkspur-Corte Madera Schools Foundation, which helped connect the organization’s giving priorities with a critical district need.

The effort was inspired by Geoffrey Barnard, a Freemason from the Mountain View De Anza Masonic Lodge and parent of a third grader at Cove Elementary. Barnard was deeply moved by his son’s second-grade classroom experience with teacher Peter Eldredge, whose dedication to creativity and hands-on learning left a lasting impression. Among the highlights was a SPARK-funded mini-grant project where students designed and played their own box guitars. Inspired by both the teacher’s impact and the opportunities provided, Barnard wanted to ensure all LCMSD students could access meaningful music education. He brought the idea to SPARK, who worked closely with the Freemasons to make it a reality.

“Music has a profound impact on all of us, and I am grateful for the positive influence our schools and teachers have on students every day,” shared Geoffrey Barnard. “It is an honor to contribute to the district’s efforts to build an outstanding music program that will inspire and benefit students across all three schools for years to come.”

“These donated instruments will make an immediate difference in our program,” said Jeff Derby, Hall Middle School Band Teacher. “They ensure that every student has access to a quality instrument, allowing us to strengthen our ensembles and provide the best possible music experience.”

“This partnership is a perfect example of community generosity and collaboration,” said Jaime Heaps, Executive Director of SPARK. “When Geoffrey Barnard and the Freemasons stepped forward, we were honored to help identify a need and coordinate the process. Because of this gift, every 5th–8th grader in our district now has the opportunity to pick up an instrument and experience the joy of making music.”

Music teachers Max Abrahams and Jeff Derby surveyed students on their musical interests to build a comprehensive instrument order. Over the summer, SPARK and the Freemasons worked together to identify the needs of the LCMSD music program and place an order in time for the start of the school year. The result: every 5th–8th grade student in LCMSD now has access to a band instrument at no cost to their families. The new instruments will support the district in building an inclusive and thriving music program for all.

Dear LCMSD Community,

In today’s video, Academics, we highlight the many ways families and schools work together to support students. Topics include:

• Academic supports (SSTs, reading/math interventions)

• IEP and 504 services

• Conferences and assessments (i-Ready, DIBELS, CAASPP)

• Pathways in math, music, and language
  

📽️ Watch Video 5: Academics

📑 View Slide Deck

Tomorrow, we’ll close our series with a focus on Communication.

With gratitude,

Dear LCMSD Community,

LCMSD is community-funded, and your support makes a direct impact on our schools. In today’s video, School Funding, we explain:

• LCFF vs. Community-Funded districts

• Local revenue sources including parcel taxes, SPARK, PTO/A, and bonds
  
  

📽️ Watch Video 4: School Funding

📑 View Slide Deck

Tomorrow’s video will focus on Academics and how we support every learner.

Thank you for your partnership,

Dear LCMSD Community,

The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. In today’s video, School Safety, we share how we maintain secure campuses while fostering a strong sense of connection. Topics include:

• Drills and emergency plans

• Safety partnerships with first responders

• Campus check-in procedures

• Belonging, relationships, and proactive safety measures
  
  

📽️ Watch Video 3: School Safety

📑 View Slide Deck

Tomorrow, we’ll turn to another important topic: School Funding.

With appreciation,

Dear LCMSD Community,

Clear and consistent expectations are key to creating safe and supportive schools. In today’s video, Student Behavior Expectations, we share how families and schools can work together to ensure students feel a strong sense of belonging and know what is expected of them. Topics include:

• Schoolwide expectations and our discipline matrix

• Confidentiality and communication with staff

• “We Are One” lessons

• Reporting concerns
  
  

📽️ Watch Video 2: Student Behavior Expectations

📑 View Slide Deck

Together, we can ensure our schools are safe, inclusive, and supportive for all students. Tomorrow’s video will focus on School Safety.

With appreciation,

Dr. Brett Geithman
Superintendent

Dear LCMSD Community,

Today, we are excited to launch a six-part video series designed to strengthen the partnership between home and school. Each video highlights key ways families can support student success and stay connected with our schools.

Our first video, Setting Your Child Up for Success, shares practical tips on creating a healthy balance between academics, activities, and downtime. We’ll also touch on homework routines, reading habits, sleep, attendance, and how to get involved. 

📽️ Watch Video 1: Setting Your Child Up for Success

📑 View Slide Deck

We hope these resources help you and your family start the school year strong. Tomorrow, we’ll share Part 2: Student Behavior Expectations.

With appreciation,