Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Novato’s 4% school attendance drop could hit classrooms

And on the Novato Patch calendar - The Sound and the Fury Fest

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Sunday September 20th Patch AM
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What's up Novato! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Novato's 4% school attendance drop could hit classrooms
  • How Novato's big plays weren't enough in a 42-28 loss
  • How far can SMART and buses really take you from Novato?

Also on today's calendar: The Sound and the Fury Fest and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do an island and the letter "t" have in common? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Low clouds, then some sun, with a high of 77 and low of 55 degrees.
  • Monday: Partly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 77, low: 54.
  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and nice, with a high of 79 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Report: Marin school attendance down 2% overall (marinij.com) — Novato families should know the Novato Unified School District's attendance has dropped 4% in a year, deepening a $6.5 million budget deficit and threatening cuts as the district loses state funding for every absent student. A countywide report shows overall Marin public school attendance down 2%, with immigration crackdowns and population shifts contributing, while state-funded districts like Novato and San Rafael face the sharpest financial strain.
   

2. Prep football: Novato rally falls short against Santa Rosa (marinij.com) — Novato High's football team put up a spirited fight at home but ultimately fell 42-28 to Santa Rosa, despite standout performances from receiver-returner Dylan Jenkins and quarterback Ben Cleary. The Hornets, now 1-2, showed big-play potential but struggled with injuries, penalties, and depth, and will look to regroup as they open league play Friday night against Healdsburg at nearby San Marin High.
   

3. Transit Month Part 3: Planes, Trains & Automobiles — Where Can Transit Take You? (sonomacity.org) — Novato riders are highlighted as key beneficiaries of SMART's southbound service, which links the city to San Rafael, Larkspur's ferry, and on to San Francisco and the East Bay. The guide explains how Sonoma Valley residents can mix buses, SMART trains, ferries, and even short car trips to reach Novato and other Bay Area destinations more easily using regional transit and tools like Google Maps trip planning.
   

4. 49ers broadcaster Greg Papa braces for potential heart transplant (fresnobee.com) — A recent 49ers watch event in Novato included broadcaster Greg Papa, who is now hospitalized in San Francisco facing advanced heart failure and possible transplant options after years of serious health battles. While he follows the team closely from his room, doctors are weighing medication, a heart pump, or a transplant as he continues daily physical therapy and hopes for another comeback.
   

📸 Around Novato

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Novato

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📣 Novato Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • "2026–2027 Novato Speaker Series" Tickets on Sale Now —Sylvia Barry Read on Patch
  • Why Novato Needs to Have the Charter Conversation Now —Mike Little Read on Patch
  • I'm extremely happy that they found that little dog.
    I'm really thankful for Nextdoor website and the kind neighbors who posted updates on my post to help bring this little dog to its owner. I'm a huge… (Nextdoor Ignacio Valley)
  • Good morning everybody!
    Happy Friday (Rustic Bakery, Grant Avenue, Novato, CA) (Nextdoor San Marin)
  • Babki posted a job opening for Part-Time Game Tester in Novato. Apply here.
  • Spencer's posted a job opening for Assistant Store Manager - Spirit in Novato. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Novato here.

Ok Novato! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: They are both in the middle of water. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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