San Marin Sun - September 20, 2026

From Principal Boone

Back to School Night was a hit. Thank you to every family who walked your student's schedule and met our teachers. I enjoyed my short talk with our ninth grade families before the bell. Something is in the water with our frosh families and students this year. More ninth grade students are finding me on campus and introducing themselves. More parents and caregivers are reaching out and asking how to get involved at San Marin.

I spend time paying attention to what is happening outside of education. We are at an interesting point in our history. With so much focus on artificial intelligence and technology, cell phones and social media included, we are starting to see more human-centered businesses emerge. The shift is simple: more people want to connect with people. From my perspective, schools like San Marin are the perfect place to build our human-centered reality.

Back to School Night felt more human to me. Music. Fun. Food. Performances from our Musical Theater students. Student speakers sharing with parents how the school year is going for them. The Mustang Way, by design, is focused on human values and behaviors.

Let's keep building a place where more of us can plug in and bring our unique voice and value to all of it. And let's have a lot of fun along the way. One place to start: our first PTSA meeting of the year is Wednesday night at 7:00 in the library. Show up, introduce yourself, and be a part of the momentum.

The Mustang Way

What do you do for our school that nobody asked you to do? Last Friday, in the middle of the school day, I dropped in on three parents up in the snack shack, on their second full day of washing, sanitizing, and organizing. Volunteering during the day isn't possible for everyone. I get it. But even through the sweat and the gross parts of the cleaning project, I also felt their satisfaction and pride in finding a way to contribute and make a difference. Thank you for being world-class San Marin citizens.

Walk campus this month and you will see flags. They are up for Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15, and each one stands for a country or culture that is part of our school community. Together they say something plain: this school is made of all of us.

Citizenship is taking responsibility for what we share. Nobody assigns most of it. Someone cleans a snack shack. Someone welcomes a new family. Someone picks up trash that is not theirs. If you have been waiting for an invitation, this is it. aboone@nusd.org

Coming Up

Full district calendar at nusd.org →

Hispanic Heritage Month

We are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15. Flags are up around our school to recognize and honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of the Hispanic community.

The flags represent some of the countries and cultures that are part of our school community. They are a small reminder of the many backgrounds, traditions, and experiences that make our school stronger.

We hope the display encourages curiosity, appreciation, and conversations about Hispanic heritage and culture. Thank you for helping us create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all of our students and families.

ELAC and ELD

ELAC is our English Learner Advisory Committee: parents and staff who advise the school on programs and services for English learners. ELAC meetings are for all families, not just families of English learners. Meetings run 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the Library, and the next one is Wednesday, October 7. This year's information is at the link below, in English and Spanish. Carmen Moreno (carmenmoreno@nusd.org) or the Counseling Office can answer questions.

Counseling and College

Seniors, this is your month. Counselors present the college application process in English classes on Tuesday, September 22 and Wednesday, September 23. Optional one-on-one senior meetings follow from September 28 to October 9. Counselors will email seniors a sign-up link after the presentations.

Dual enrollment lets students take college courses while in high school. College of Marin is on campus every Wednesday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, in the College and Career Center to help with applications and questions. See your counselor to book an appointment, or stop by.

Volunteers from 10,000 Degrees are in the library every Tuesday from 1:55 to 3:10 PM to help seniors with college essays and Personal Insight Questions. Sign-up sheets are in the College and Career Center.

Mr. Glasgow, the Marin County Office of Education career liaison, is on campus every Thursday. He meets with students about internships, volunteer opportunities, and career exploration. Families and students can join his Remind group to hear about programs and deadlines as they come up.

There are also great opportunities for students in healthcare careers, with training length and pay laid out for each one.

STEM Marin Family Giving

STEM Marin runs on family giving. The program needs more than $65,000 a year to operate, and that money pays for the labs, equipment, and materials students use in Engineering, Biotechnology, and Art in Science.

The suggested contribution is $250 per student. Any amount helps, and a contribution of $250 or more comes with a swag bundle.

Prefer a check? Make it payable to STEM Marin Fund. Drop it at the school office, or mail it to San Marin High School STEM Program, 15 San Marin Drive, Novato, CA 94945.

STEM Stampede tickets are on sale now. The Stampede is Saturday, November 14 at 5:00 PM at Indian Valley Golf Course, a country western evening supporting the STEM Marin program. Prices rise October 5. Buy tickets →

Questions about the program itself go to stemmarin.org →

Athletics

Twenty five contests this week, seven of them at home. Home contests are at San Marin. Student athletes with a release time leave class early that day. Every team, every result, at sanmarinathletics.com →

Green and Gold Roundup

San Marin Athletics does not happen without you.

Come for the party. Show up for our kids. We are bringing the entire San Marin community together for one unforgettable Green and Gold night at Corda Ranch. BBQ. Games. Music. Dancing. Auctions. Mustang Pride.

Come hungry. Play some games. Bid on something amazing. Hit the dance floor. Bring your friends. Country chic, cowboy casual, Green and Gold encouraged.

But this night is about more than throwing a great party. The Green and Gold Roundup is our community's opportunity to help keep ALL San Marin sports going strong. Every sport, gender, season and program.

Tickets are $100 for individuals, $180 for couples, and $1,000 for a VIP table that seats ten. On sale now.

The auction is built by this community. Donated items, experiences, gift certificates, services, and sponsorships are all welcome, and donations must arrive by October 1. The team guide below covers team wish lists, the dessert auction, and themed team baskets. It is coming to your student athletes through their coaches. Ask them about it.

Donate an auction item → Team guide for coaches →

Around Campus

Seniors, take the help in front of you this week. Families, we will see you Wednesday night in the library.

Go Mustangs. Go Green & Gold. 🐴