WHEN TO USE THIS PROCESS 

For MVMS students in grades 6 - 8 who need teacher or counselor recommendations for private, independent, or special program applications (including summer or enrichment programs).

 

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

• Recommendations are confidential and sent directly by MVMS. Copies cannot be provided to families.
• Teachers and counselors only complete official recommendation forms provided by each school. They do not write separate letters.
• Counselors complete all administrative recommendation forms. The Principal, Assistant Principal, and Dean of Students do not complete private school recommendations.
• Parents must add the correct MVMS teacher and counselor emails in each school’s application portal and confirm that recommendation requests are sent to the right staff.

 

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HOW IT WORKS

STEP 1: START WITH THE FORM

Complete the MVMS Recommendation Request Form to begin the process. 

STEP 2: PAYMENT

A $60 processing fee covers up to three recommendations. Additional recommendations beyond three will incur an added processing fee. Schools sharing a portal (such as Ravenna) count as one request for processing purposes.

Payment can be made by cash or check payable to the Mill Valley School District at the MVMS front office. Financial assistance is available for families who qualify. 

STEP 3: CONFIRMATION

You will receive an automatic message confirming your request. Requests are typically processed within 5 -10 business days. For high school applications, all forms and payments are due by December 12, 2025. MVMS cannot guarantee on-time delivery for requests received after this date.

If the school uses a paper recommendation form instead of an online portal, include a signed transcript or records release form and submit it to the MVMS front office before your request can be processed.

 

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY (8th Graders Applying to High School)

Students applying to private or independent high schools must complete the About Me Form in their 8th-grade Google Classroom. This form provides teachers and counselors with background information to support their recommendations. 

Your responses may highlight any or all of the following: 

• Positive personal qualities and favorite subjects (and why)
• Hobbies, interests, and activities (sports, clubs, youth groups)
• Accomplishments, awards, or leadership roles
• Challenges you’ve overcome or goals you’re working toward
• Work or volunteer experience

It’s a good idea to reach out to your teachers in person to thank them for supporting your recommendation requests. 

 

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CONTACT INFORMATION 

For more information, contact us at:

MVMS Registrar - Kristine Thompson | kthompson@mvschools.org

 

Counseling Office:

6th Grade Counselor - Molly Hahn | mhahn@mvschools.org

7th Grade Counselor - Erin Sheedy | esheedy@mvschools.org

8th Grade Counselor - Janet Jamesson | jjamesson@mvschools.org

 

*When approved by the Board of Trustees, the Superintendent or designee may impose a fee for the following: (5 CCR 350) Actual cost of furnishing copies of any student's records, except that no charge shall be made for furnishing up to two transcripts or two verifications of a former student's records or for reproducing records of a student with a disability when the cost would effectively prevent the parent/guardian from exercising the right to receive the copies. (Education Code 49065, 56504)