San Marin Sun - November 1, 2026
Posted Date: 11/01/26 (09:00 AM)
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Novato, CA · Home of the Mustang Way
San Marin Sun
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| Week of November 2, 2026 | Vol. 3 · No. 12 |
Our Mission
San Marin is committed to an environment that promotes critical thinking, a culture of support and wellness, optimal learning, and successful outcomes for all students.
Our Vision for Student Learning
At San Marin, every student is greeted by name and heard, reasons aloud with classmates through problems they cannot solve alone, drives their own thinking and revision, and leaves San Marin ready to think, contribute, and lead.
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🎓 Aeries 🔔 Bell Schedule 📞 Report Absence 🏆 Athletics 🎭 Performing Arts 🔬 STEM Marin 🤝 PTSA 📣 Sports Boosters
From Principal Boone
Congratulations to our boys and girls varsity water polo teams. Both won their MCAL quarterfinal games last week. The boys beat Marin Catholic 21-15, their first MCAL playoff win in program history and their fifth straight win over Marin Catholic. The girls beat Marin Academy 13-9. Both teams fell in the semifinals, the boys to top seed Redwood and the girls to Archie Williams. Both teams are headed to the NCS playoffs this week.
Our flag football team's season ended Saturday in a hard-fought NCS quarterfinal at Acalanes. Girls volleyball finished 25-9 and reached the NCS playoffs. Congratulations to our athletes and coaches.
One more Homecoming thank you, to Tony Lazzarini, who started Coffee and Cars years back and supplies cars for parades and other events across Marin. Through Tony, we worked with Coffee and Cars to bring a 1967 classic car to our Homecoming parade. Thank you to Jenifer and Jason Harvey for setting it up.
This week's Mustang Way and WASC sections share what our freshmen told us about asking for help, and what our staff learned when they sat in circles last Thursday. There is a question in there for you, too. The second progress period ended Friday. Teachers are entering progress grades now, and grades post in Aeries after that, so below you will also find questions to ask your student at each grade level.
Our flag football team's season ended Saturday in a hard-fought NCS quarterfinal at Acalanes. Girls volleyball finished 25-9 and reached the NCS playoffs. Congratulations to our athletes and coaches.
One more Homecoming thank you, to Tony Lazzarini, who started Coffee and Cars years back and supplies cars for parades and other events across Marin. Through Tony, we worked with Coffee and Cars to bring a 1967 classic car to our Homecoming parade. Thank you to Jenifer and Jason Harvey for setting it up.
This week's Mustang Way and WASC sections share what our freshmen told us about asking for help, and what our staff learned when they sat in circles last Thursday. There is a question in there for you, too. The second progress period ended Friday. Teachers are entering progress grades now, and grades post in Aeries after that, so below you will also find questions to ask your student at each grade level.
Andy Boone, Principal
The Mustang Way
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THE MUSTANG WAY
Mustang: Así Es Como Somos
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The Mustang Way · Question 11 of 37
Mindset · Actitud
Who do you turn to when things get hard?
¿A quién acudes cuando las cosas se ponen difíciles?
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Who do you turn to when things get hard? In October, a freshman teacher nominated a student for the Mindset award because he "is extremely proactive about staying on top of his work." That is Mindset: how we respond when things get hard, including communicating with adults on campus before the work piles up. Staying on top of the work can start with one step: asking a teacher what you missed.
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⭐ Mustang Way Staff Member of the Month
Shawna Torres, Assistant Principal
Congratulations to Shawna, recognized for her drive, her focus on Special Education, and her ability to get things done.
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October Mustang Way Students of the Month · Freshmen
Teachers on our Freshman Support Team nominate one freshman for each Mustang Way pillar.
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Chase Hall Mindset
Nominated by Ms. McNally
"Chase is extremely proactive about staying on top of his work."
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Derek Alonso Goal Setting
Nominated by Mr. Reynolds
"Derek has clearly stated his goal of doing well in this class, and he is completely following through. He always pushes himself above and beyond what is expected in order to meet the goals he sets for himself."
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Zachary Goh Humility
Nominated by Mr. Thomas
"Zachary is always a willing and able participant in class and shares this enthusiasm with classmates that sit alongside him."
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Briella Viau Respect
Nominated by Ms. Crowley
"Brie consistently enters class with positivity, kindness, and respect for those around her. When interacting with classmates, she holds clear and evident respect for their thoughts, opinions, and contributions. I deeply appreciate the gratitude and consideration she shares with me, and am proud to be her teacher."
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Elai Daabul Citizenship
Nominated by Mr. Reynolds
"Elai excels in math, but when he is done, he never stops helping students around him learn and improve. When we are doing whiteboards, he always goes out of his way to ask his peers if they understand, and helps explain his reasoning to them."
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WASC Self-Study
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24
weeks
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to our WASC visit, April 19 to 21
On Thursday, October 29, more than 60 staff sat in circles, the same way we ask our students to. Everyone had a turn to speak, share their own experience, and be heard. We reflected on our own high school years: which adults we remember, and why.
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What our freshmen told us. This fall, 220 freshmen in the Mustang Way seminars (Health and Ethnic Studies) answered 23 questions about starting high school. They know what to do. Most don't do it yet. About a third said they are "not really feeling much." Students who feel that way rarely ask for anything, so they are the easiest to miss.
| 220 freshmen · Fall 2026 | |
80% |
said asking for help is the right first step when they struggle in a class. |
9% |
mentioned another person when asked what they actually do when school or sports get stressful. |
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2
of 220
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named a teacher when asked what they actually do when school or sports get stressful. |
What staff said in circle. Every circle gave the same answer about the adults they remember. One group put it this way: "Most of us talked about how the person cared for us, not what they taught us." Those adults knew students by name, asked about life outside school, and noticed when a student started to drift. Four of five circles named ninth grade as the year belonging is hardest. Four named the quiet middle: students who are neither failing nor thriving.
What we committed to
Greet students by name at the door. Short one-on-one check-ins, away from other students. Ask about life outside class. Send a positive message home. In the last round on Thursday, each staff member pictured one or two students they want to know better, without saying a name. Often it was a student who seems to be doing fine, or one who is easy to miss. By Friday, November 6, every staff member will check in one-on-one with those students, and teachers will hold a circle in class.Your turn
We asked our staff this question, and now we're asking you. Think back to high school. Who was an adult who made you feel you belonged, and what did they actually do? Then ask your student: who is one adult at school you could go to? If you'd like to share your story, I would love to hear it at aboone@nusd.org. Your voice matters, and your stories will make their way into our WASC report, without names. Plus, I'll know you're reading the Sun!
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Why it matters
In April, the visiting committee will ask students who they go to when things get hard. We want every student to have an answer, and we want it to be one of us. That is the first promise in our Vision for Student Learning:
Every student is greeted by name and heard.
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Sources: Freshman Mustang Way Seminar reflection, 220 responses, September 30 to October 23, 2026; San Marin staff circles, October 29, 2026.
Coming Up
| Mon Nov 2 | AP exam orders due. $99 per exam. A $40 late fee per exam applies after this date. How to order is in Counseling and College below. Students |
| Tue Nov 3 | College visit: Dominican University. 12:25 PM. To attend, email vjensen@nusd.org. Students |
| Tue Nov 3 | Learning Lounge. 4:00 to 5:00 PM in the Library. Drop-in help with academic work, with science support on Tuesdays. Students |
| Wed Nov 4 | College visit: UC Irvine. 1:20 PM. To attend, email vjensen@nusd.org. College of Marin dual enrollment help is also on campus, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, in the College and Career Center. Students |
| Thu Nov 5 | Learning Lounge. 4:00 to 5:00 PM in the Library. Tutors from 10,000 Degrees help with college and scholarship essays, resumes, job searches, Algebra 1, English, social studies, Spanish, AVID, and time management and study skills. Peer tutors help with any math or science class. Free for every student. Students |
| Tue Nov 10 | San Marin Rock Band night at HopMonk. HopMonk also hosts an all-day Dine and Donate for Performing Arts. Info and tickets → Families |
| Wed Nov 11 | Veterans Day. No school. Families |
| Thu Nov 12 | Blithe Spirit opens. San Marin Drama presents the comedy by Noël Coward. Four performances: Thursday, November 12 and Friday, November 13 at 7:00 PM; Sunday, November 15 at 2:00 PM; and Monday, November 16 at 7:00 PM. Tickets are sold at the door one hour before each show. Details → Families |
| Wed Nov 18 | PTSA General Association meeting. 7:00 PM in the Library. Julie Jacobson of the NUSD Board of Trustees gives an update on the district budget and answers questions. Join the PTSA → Families |
Full district calendar at nusd.org →
Questions to Ask This Week
Progress grades post in Aeries after teachers finish entering them, so this is a good week for a conversation at home. Here are a few questions for each grade. If you have a question for a teacher, coach, or counselor, now is the time to ask it.
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9th grade Who is one adult at school you could go to for help? Are you on track with the A-G courses the UC and CSU require? Have you checked your grades in Aeries, and what do you see? Have you used Wednesday Access (our tutorial period) or the Learning Lounge to catch up? |
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10th grade Which class is hardest right now, and what is your plan for it? Are you on track with the A-G courses the UC and CSU require? Are you thinking about an AP class or dual enrollment next year? |
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11th grade Are you on track with the A-G courses the UC and CSU require? What will help you do your best on the state tests this spring? If you are taking an AP exam, is your order in? Orders are due Monday, November 2. |
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12th grade Are you on track with the A-G courses the UC and CSU require? UC and CSU applications are due Monday, November 30. Where are you in the process? Have you started the FAFSA or the CADAA (California Dream Act Application)? 10,000 Degrees has a free online workshop on Wednesday, November 4. Have you filled out your brag sheet, the form counselors use to write your letters? |
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Student athletes, every grade Are any of your grades putting your eligibility at risk? An incomplete counts as an F for MCAL eligibility. If the answer is yes, it's time to reach out to an adult on campus and ask for help. |
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For every grade When did you get to share your thinking in class this week? |
STEM Marin
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🎉 STEM Stampede 🎉
SOLD OUT!
Saturday, November 14, 5:00 PM
Indian Valley Golf Course
Thank you, STEM Marin families. See you there.
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🔧 🧬 🎨
Engineering, Biotechnology, and Design Lab (STEAM)
Four-year pathways at San Marin.
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Mark your calendar
| Mon Nov 2 | 8th grade application appointments open. Eighth graders at charter schools, private schools, and schools outside NUSD must schedule an appointment to apply. Schedule → |
| Wed Dec 2 | Chemistry Game Night. 6:00 to 7:30 PM in the STEM Building. STEM Marin chemistry students share board games they built around chemical reactions. Open to the public. |
| Wed Dec 2 | First Animation Film Night. 6:30 PM in the Emily Gates Performing Arts Center, doors at 6:15. Tenth grade Design Lab students present films on the physics of animation using Newton's laws. Open to the public. |
Math and science tutoring. Peer tutors are at the Thursday Learning Lounge, 4:00 to 5:00 PM in the Library, for any math or science class. Science support is also there on Tuesdays. Physics is where students need the most help right now, and tutoring is available in any science. Students who want science help, or want to become a peer tutor, can use the form.
Science tutoring form →
Science tutoring form →
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Two ways to help
Mentor a senior
Seniors are starting their capstone and research projects. If you work in a STEM or STEAM field, you can mentor a student and give feedback along the way.
Sign up to mentor →Give to the Family Giving Campaign
STEM Marin runs on family giving. A gift of $250 comes with a STEM swag bundle.
Support the STEM Marin Fund →
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The October STEM Marin newsletter features the October STEM Students of the Month.
Read the newsletter →
Subscribe to the newsletter →
Read the newsletter →
Subscribe to the newsletter →
San Marin Performing Arts
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🎭 🎸 🎬
Three programs, one department
Music, Theater, and Technical Arts at San Marin.
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Coming up
| Tue Nov 10 | Rock Band night at HopMonk, plus an all-day Dine and Donate for Performing Arts. Info and tickets → |
| Thu Nov 12 | Blithe Spirit opens. San Marin Drama, four performances through Monday, November 16. Tickets at the door. Details → |
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Find your rhythm
Music
Students find their voice, build musicianship, and perform together in bands, choirs, and orchestras while exploring classical, jazz, and contemporary music. Learn more →
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Step into the story
Theater
From the first read-through to opening night, students build confidence, creativity, and connection through musical theater, drama, and live performance. Learn more →
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Behind every moment
Technical Arts
Student crews bring every production to life through lighting, sound, sets, props, costumes, stage management, and production support. Learn more →
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Twelve minutes inside the program, made by Starnstruck Media, San Marin Class of 2020.
▶ Watch the video sanmarinperformingarts.org →
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Parent and Family Education
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💬
Let's Talk webinars
From Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships, for middle and high school families. Youth speakers, time for questions, and live Spanish interpretation at every session.
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| Wed Nov 4 |
ADHD and Youth Well-Being 7:00 to 8:30 PM on Zoom |
| Wed Nov 18 |
Fentanyl and Overdose Protection 7:00 to 8:30 PM on Zoom |
| Wed Dec 2 |
The Adolescent Brain 7:00 to 8:30 PM on Zoom |
More parent and family events across Marin, with registration links, are on the county office of education calendar.
Register for Let's Talk → County events calendar →
Counseling and College
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⏰ Deadline: Monday, November 2
AP exam orders are due Monday
Exams are $99 each. After November 2, a $40 late fee applies to each exam. To order: pick up an order form in the Counseling Office, attach a check payable to San Marin High School, select Register for Exam in MyAP (the College Board's AP site), join your teacher's AP Classroom, and return the form and check to Ms. Milani in Counseling.
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This Wednesday, November 4, and Wednesday, December 9
Financial aid workshops
10,000 Degrees runs online workshops, 5:00 to 7:00 PM, to help families complete the FAFSA, the CADAA (California Dream Act Application), or the 10,000 Degrees Scholarship application. Questions go to FinancialAid@10000degrees.org.
November 4 workshop →
December 9 workshop →
November 4 workshop →
December 9 workshop →
Every week
| Tuesdays | College essay help for seniors. Volunteers from 10,000 Degrees are in the Library from 1:55 to 3:10 PM to help with college essays and Personal Insight Questions (the University of California application essays). Sign-up sheets are in the College and Career Center. |
| Wednesdays | Dual enrollment help. Dual enrollment lets students take college courses while in high school. College of Marin is in the College and Career Center, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, to help with applications and questions. See your counselor to book an appointment, or stop by. |
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Career exploration. Mr. Glasgow, the Marin County Office of Education career liaison, meets with students about internships, volunteer opportunities, and career exploration. Families and students can join his Remind group for programs and deadlines. Meet with Mr. Glasgow → Join his Remind group → |
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🎓 Senior resources
Senior slides → Senior packet → Brag sheet → Healthcare careers → Counseling Office →
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Athletics
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❄ From the Athletic Director
Winter sports tryouts
Important information for every student planning to try out for a winter sport. Please read it before tryouts begin.
Read the winter tryout information →
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🏆
NCS week
Both water polo teams play in the NCS playoffs this week. Opponents, sites and times will be announced when NCS posts its brackets. Check sanmarinathletics.com before you head out.
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| Mon Nov 2 |
Girls Varsity Tennis at the MCAL Individual Tournament, hosted by Bransontime to be announced
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| Wed Nov 4 |
Girls Varsity Water Polo in the NCS Division 2 first round, opponent and site to be announcedtime to be announced
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| Thu Nov 5 |
Boys Varsity Water Polo in the NCS Division 1 first round, opponent and site to be announcedtime to be announced
Home Freshman Football v Marin Catholic6:00 PM
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| Fri Nov 6 |
JV Football at De La Salle4:00 PM · Release 1:30 PM (bus leaves at 2:00 PM)
Home Varsity Football & Cheer v St. Vincent, Senior Night7:00 PM
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Six contests this week, two 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 →
Around Campus
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Wellness Hub tea drive The Wellness Hub is collecting tea for its Tea Corner, where students can relax with a warm cup. Decaf tea is especially welcome. Thank you for your support. |
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San Marin Athletics → Schedules, scores, rosters, and results for every Mustang team. |
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Counseling Office → Course planning, transcripts, college and career, and student support. |
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Yearbook The 2027 San Marin yearbook is on sale, and so are senior ads. Senior ads are due January 31. Order information → En español → |
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The Pony Express → San Marin's student-run newsroom. Campus life, sports, and opinion, written by Mustangs. The paper is entirely self-funded, so subscriptions and donations are what keep it running. Subscribe or donate → |
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Student travel: Japan, June 2028 A teacher-led, ten-day WorldStrides tour of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and more. This is not a school event and not an NUSD board-approved trip. Questions go to mlemieux@nusd.org or rwatson@nusd.org. Trip information → |
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PTSA → New volunteers always welcome. Every hour helps. |
Two home contests this week: freshman football hosts Marin Catholic Thursday at 6:00 PM, and varsity football and cheer host St. Vincent for Senior Night Friday at 7:00 PM. Come out and cheer on our seniors Friday night.
Go Mustangs. Go Green & Gold. 🐴
→ School Website → NUSD District → Aeries → Bell Schedule → Report Absence → Counseling → STEM Marin → NUSD Board
San Marin High School · 15 San Marin Drive, Novato, CA 94945 · (415) 898-2121
Attendance: Jacque Baniqued (A to L) · Michelle Guin (M to Z)
Sent via ParentSquare. Drafted and assembled with AI assistance. Every word directed, edited, and approved by Principal Boone.
Attendance: Jacque Baniqued (A to L) · Michelle Guin (M to Z)
Sent via ParentSquare. Drafted and assembled with AI assistance. Every word directed, edited, and approved by Principal Boone.