Dear San Rafael City Schools Community,
This week, it was wonderful to experience our campuses filled with the energy and excitement of a new school year! Over the summer, our incredible staff worked hard to prepare for a smooth start, and we were thrilled to welcome back students on Wednesday.
To our students: This year is full of opportunities to learn, explore build relationships and discover all you are capable of. We are here to support you every step of the way.
To our families: Thank you for partnering with us in your children’s education. Your support and engagement are an essential part of helping our students thrive.
To our teachers and staff: Thank you for the care, expertise and dedication you bring to our schools every day. Your work makes a lasting difference in the lives of our students.
Let’s continue to put our core values of equity, community and joy into action this year. Together, we can create schools where every student feels supported, connected and inspired to learn and grow.
In looking ahead to this school year, I want to highlight some key areas.
Complete the Back-to-School Process in Aeries
We are making great progress toward all families completing the annual Data Confirmation process in the Aeries Parent Portal. Thank you to everyone who has already completed theirs!
If you haven't had a chance to complete yours yet, there’s still time, and we need your help. Completing this process for each student ensures we have accurate emergency and health information and secures essential state resources for our schools. How to complete:
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Log into the Aeries Parent Portal
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Review and update your child’s emergency contact, health and other required information.
- Be sure to click "Finish and Submit" at the end.
Need help? Review this communication, check out our step-by-step guide [ English | Spanish] or reach out to your school office.
Our Updated Strategic Plan
Last school year, we collaborated with our SRCS community to refresh our strategic plan. Guided by community input and our shared vision for student success, the refreshed plan reflects our commitment to equity, community and joy and identifies priorities for our work ahead. The Board approved the final plan in June [linked here].
Now, we’re moving from “Plan to Practice,” turning our shared vision into meaningful action that supports every student’s academic success, well-being and ability to thrive.
Building for Student Success
Thanks to the generous support of San Rafael voters, significant bond-funded construction is continuing throughout SRCS! We are thrilled to open several major facilities projects, including a new multipurpose room at Davidson Middle School (pictured right) and new aquatic centers and improved athletic complexes at San Rafael High School and Terra Linda High School. Davidson’s new large, student-focused flexible space is designed for students to gather, connect and build community. Both aquatic centers feature new 40-meter competition swimming pools designed as centerpieces for the campus’ athletic facilities.
Across the District, we’ve also completed a range of important improvements, including classroom renovations, enhanced pickup and drop-off areas at Sun Valley, playground improvements at several elementary schools and HVAC upgrades. These projects represent a significant investment in our schools and create new opportunities for students, staff and the community for years to come. Follow progress and see updates at srcsbondprogram.org.
 Emergency Preparedness
SRCS is dedicated to safeguarding the educational environment. This year, we are implementing the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) across our schools. Our goal is to create a shared approach to safety that strengthens emergency preparedness District-wide.
SRP provides a clear, consistent and easy-to-understand approach to responding to a wide range of emergencies, such as fires, severe weather, accidents, intruders and other threats to safety. By using common language and practiced responses, we can help students, staff, families and first responders understand what to expect and respond quickly when an incident occurs. Watch for more to come about SRP and learn more about the protocols in this overview [English | Spanish].
Every Day Counts
Consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in a student’s success. Being at school every day helps students stay connected to their learning and build stronger relationships with peers and teachers.
Families are our greatest partners in this work. Please make attendance a top priority and help your child be present and ready to learn each day. Every class, every activity and every discussion matters - and missing even a little time can mean missing big opportunities.
Welcome New Staff
We are pleased to have some new school and District leaders, several of whom are in new roles:
- Carrie Betti, Director of Elementary Curriculum, Instruction & Professional Learning
- Alex Chapman, San Pedro Elementary Assistant Principal
- Michele Harland, Director of Secondary Curriculum, Instruction & Professional Learning
- Karen Wilhoyte, Terra Linda High School Dean
In addition, we welcomed 47 new teachers and certificated staff and 16 new classified staff to our SRCS community! We also have 13 teaching residents joining us for our latest cohort. They participate in a rigorous teacher preparation program, earning their teaching credential and Master's degree in one year; each is paired with a mentor SRCS educator.
As we close out our first week, I want to again express my gratitude to our students, families, teachers and staff for such a wonderful beginning. We’re excited for all that this year will bring, and I look forward to making it a great year together!
Sincerely,
Carmen Diaz Ghysels
Superintendent
2026-27 SRCS All Staff Welcome Back Celebration at Terra Linda High School on Aug. 18
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San Rafael City Schools
www.srcs.org | communications@srcs.org
310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903
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