PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
On Time Students Are Successful Students!
Student attendance is one of the most common predictors of academic achievement. Clifford students who arrive late and leave early from school miss out on key learning opportunities such as morning meetings and announcements, academic activities, tests and quizzes, and social interactions with peers. Chronic tardiness is when students are consistently late to class and can have dramatic results on a student’s future education and career. Similarly, students who leave school early miss out on valuable instructional time.
Students who consistently miss school hours may develop habits that will lead into their adult life, affecting their education, career, and social connections. In contrast, students who participate fully in school activities will have more opportunities to achieve academically and make healthy and informed lifestyle choices.
How to Encourage Punctuality
Using praise as a positive reinforcement is an effective strategy for student attendance. However, family participation is also key to good attendance for younger students. Some tips for good attendance include:
- Establishing and keeping a schedule; children thrive on routine.
- Going to bed and waking up earlier
- Preparing for the morning the night before by laying out outfits, packing backpacks, and pre-packing lunches
- If work schedules conflict, investigate other means of transportation, such as carpooling with other families.
If your family consistently struggles with school attendance, professionals suggest tracking the average time you’re late by and adding that time accordingly to your schedule. For example: if you are consistently 15 to 30 minutes late in the morning, set your alarm 15 to 30 minutes earlier. Doing this creates a cushion of extra time for unexpected delays.
At Clifford, instruction starts at 8:15 a.m. Please give your child sufficient time to get to class on time by dropping them off or arriving at school no later than 8:10 am. Please reach out to us if you and your family need support getting to school on time.
Project Cornerstone Social Emotional Learning Program
In 2017 the parent-led YMCA Project Cornerstone program began at Clifford School. The program began in grades K-3, then expanded the following year to K-5, and then began school-wide K-8 in 2020. The big-picture intent of Project Cornerstone is for caring adults to connect regularly with youth through monthly positive lessons, messages, and learning of skills so that students see adults as trusted individuals that they can come to, speak with, and learn from.
The Elementary School program centers around a monthly lesson through stories and activities to practice the new skills/learning. The Middle School program focuses on relevant SEL monthly topics, discussion and activities. You can learn more about this program at www.projectcornerstone.org. If you would like to learn more about Clifford's program and how you can get involved, please use the following links:
Family Center Update!
Join us at Clifford School's Multi-Cultural Night as we kick off the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and explore the richness of various cultures! On September 28th, from 5-7 pm, our Multi-Use Building at Clifford Elementary will transform into a vibrant showcase of cultures from around the world.
This event is a fantastic opportunity for families of students in our school to come together, learn, and have fun while embracing the diversity of our community. Enjoy a colorful evening filled with lively music, delicious cuisine representing Hispanic and other cultures, and engaging activities that will transport you to different corners of the world. Immerse yourself in the rich history, art, and customs of various communities. It's a night of unity, appreciation, and discovery that you won't want to miss.
Let's celebrate the beauty of all cultures at Clifford School's Multi-Cultural Night – an event that promises to create lasting memories for our school community. If you would like to volunteer for this event, sign up here.
See you there!
English Learner Advisory Council (ELAC) Meeting
Please join us for the first ELAC meeting of the year on Friday, October 13 in our new Family Center. Refreshments will be served from 8:15-8:30 am and the meeting will be from 8:30-9:30am.
The English Language Advisory Council (ELAC) makes recommendations regarding programs for students with second language needs. The purpose of the ELAC is to provide parents of English Learners opportunities to learn more about the programs offered to their children.
Clifford After School Sports Team Schedules
Many Clifford students participate in our after school sports programs which are run by the Sheriff's Activity League. The mission of the San Mateo County Sheriff's Activities League is to invest in all youth by creating opportunities that guide them toward their full potential through impactful programs, which foster relationships between deputies, youth, families, and the community.
Come out and cheer on our Clifford Dolphins!
Game Schedule
4th-5th Grade Girls Volleyball League
6th-7th Grade Girls Volleyball League Regular Season
6th Grade Girls Volleyball League Playoff Schedule
7th Grade Girls Volleyball Playoffs Schedule
New TK-3 Dismissal Procedures
Last week we established a new dismissal and pick up system for our TK - 3rd grade families to help make this process easier, safe, and more efficient. Parents who walk up to school at pick up time no longer need to wait in line outside the gate, but are instead invited in to wait in the designated pick up area.
The roll out of this new system has been a success! Thank you to our families, teachers, staff, and students for your assistance and cooperation in this process!
Clifford School
Clifford School is a jewel of a campus located in the beautiful foothills of Redwood City. Our number one priority at Clifford School is to provide a safe learning environment in which the students, teachers, and staff foster a positive school culture and climate. Clifford is a school with a strong sense of community and pride!
Website: https://www.rcsdk8.net/clifford
Location: 225 Clifford Avenue, Redwood City, CA, USA
Phone: 650.482.2402
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliffordElementary