Dolphin Digest

Dear Clifford Families & Community Members,

I hope this message finds you well and filled with excitement as we prepare to begin a fresh and promising school year at Clifford School. I want to extend a warm welcome to our returning families and a heartfelt greeting to those who are joining our school community for the first time!

The start of a new school year is a chance for students to explore new horizons, forge lasting friendships, and discover their passions. We are committed to providing an enriching and supportive environment where each child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our dedicated team of educators have been hard at work and are ready to embrace the joys of the upcoming year. They are excited to guide your children through a journey of discovery, helping them grow not only as learners but as responsible and compassionate individuals.

Open communication between home and school is crucial in fostering a successful educational experience. Whether you have questions, suggestions, or simply want to stay informed about school activities, please know that our lines of communication are always open. Your involvement is invaluable, and we encourage your active participation in your child's education.

We look forward to building strong partnerships with you to ensure your child's success.

As we prepare to open our doors for another year of learning and growth, let's do so with a sense of excitement and unity. Together, we can create a nurturing and empowering environment where our students can thrive and reach their full potential.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. Here's to a year filled with inspiration, achievement, and memorable experiences!

Warm regards,

Kristy Jackson

Welcome to new and returning Clifford families,

I could not be more excited to introduce myself as the new Vice Principal of Clifford School. Although I grew up on the Peninsula, I have spent the last 28 years in Phoenix, Arizona and am thrilled to return to the beautiful Bay Area. Returning to this vibrant community fills me with great joy, and I am eager to connect with all stakeholders who play a crucial role in our students' educational journey.

Building relationships and collaboration with all stakeholders is at the core of my leadership identity, and I firmly believe that establishing strong bonds with students, parents, and staff is fundamental to creating a thriving school environment. I know that better decisions are made through participation, effective communication and when our priority is student learning, whether academic or social.

I hold a firm belief that all students are capable of exceeding their own expectations. By fostering a supportive environment and providing rigorous academic opportunities, we can unlock their limitless possibilities. I am dedicated to implementing strategies that challenge and inspire our students, enabling them to realize their true potential.

As a dedicated educator, I pride myself on being a good listener and someone who can meet the diverse needs of our school community. I am here to serve you and to collaborate with each one of you to make our school an even better place for our students to learn, grow, and thrive.

I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect with all of you and embark on this incredible journey together. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with your ideas, concerns, or suggestions. Together, let's create a nurturing and inclusive environment that empowers our students to achieve greatness.

Kindly,

Casey Nosky

Hi Clifford Dolphins!

I'm so excited to introduce myself and work with you all to kick off a strong school year at Clifford! I taught for seven years and then was an assistant principal for seven years in New York City. I moved to the Bay Area to attend graduate school and learn more about ways to support children and families with wrap around services. While in graduate school I worked as a researcher with the John Gardner Center through the Stanford Redwood City partnership program and fell in love with the district.

As the Community School Coordinator I will help families to get the services and resources they need. These include after school care, medical services, mentoring, mental health services, food, and housing. Please reach out to me for any resources you need that would be helpful in supporting families. It is my mission to be of service to the Clifford community.

Best,

Albert

ARRIVAL

• Supervision begins at 8:00 AM. Children are not to arrive at school BEFORE 8:00 AM.

• Parents may park in the neighborhood and walk their child to their classroom to wait for their teacher. We highly encourage walking and biking if you are able to.

• Beginning at 8:00 AM students may walk to their classroom and line up in the area designated by their teacher.

• Students do not play on the structures, blacktop, fields, or hallways before school.

• When the warning bell rings at 8:12 a.m., students should make their way to the classroom to line up.

• By 8:15 AM when the bell rings, teachers greet students and lead them into the classroom.

• If a child arrives after 8:15 AM, the student must first go to the office to get a tardy slip before going to class.

• Campus gates will be locked at 8:20 a.m. Students arriving after this time, must check in at the office.

DISMISSAL

• Students need to leave campus promptly after each dismissal.

• Regular Dismissal: TK: 1:30 PM, Kinder: 2:15 PM; 1st - 3rd: 2:35 PM; 4th-5th: 2:45 PM; 6th - 8th: 2:50 PM

• Minimum Day Dismissal: TK: 12:45 PM; Kinder: 1:30 PM; 1st - 3rd: 1:35 PM, 4th - 5th: 1:40 PM; 6th - 8th: 1:50 PM

• Super Minimum Day Dismissal: All students are dismissed at 11:30.

• TK & Kindergarten students must wait with their teacher until a parent/child care provider, or other designated adult picks them up.

• Children who are being picked up must wait in the drop off/pick up areas.

• For 1st - 3rd grade students, teachers will send home car signs on the first day of school.

• Children who walk are to go directly home.

• TK-5 students are not to play on the black top after dismissal, due to classes still being in session.

• Parents/Families may not enter campus until the last dismissal of the day.

• TK-5 students are not to be left unsupervised on campus, waiting for older siblings.

• Parents of student(s) who are repeatedly not picked up promptly, will be contacted by the school administration.

• If an emergency prevents you from picking up your child on time, make alternate arrangements and notify the school. Students who are picked up late need to be signed out in the office.

STUDENT DROP OFF/PICK UP AND PARKING LOT GUIDELINES

Safety around the school and the neighborhood is everyone’s responsibility. Parking rules apply to everyone. Speed limits in school zones are 25 mph or less, if the conditions warrant slower speeds. Use great caution, drive slowly, follow these guidelines and instruct your child to follow them as well. The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office helps to enforce compliance with the law in and around Clifford School.

The parking lots are reserved for staff, busses, and handicap drivers displaying a valid permit ONLY. Please park along the neighborhood streets and away from the red zone.

ARRIVAL/DROP-OFF & DISMISSAL/PICK-UP INSTRUCTIONS

• Follow the guidance of the personnel on duty.

• Obey all posted and painted signs.

• Watch for children walking, biking, or in crosswalks.

• Please follow these lane guidelines between 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on school days

• Right Lane: Cars dropping off or picking up students.

• Left Lane: Cars driving through (no pick up or drop off allowed).

• Drive slowly in a single line when entering the parking lot, proceed to drop pick up zone.

• Please pull all the way forward to allow cars to enter the parking lot and prevent traffic jams.

• Allow your child to exit curbside.

• Remain in your vehicle if you are just dropping off. Do not leave your car unattended.

• Slowly and carefully pull away after your child has exited.

• Exit by following the curve of the parking lot.

• No parking in the loading and unloading zones.

• Students should use the pedestrian crosswalk when needed to cross the parking lot.

• Do not park or drop off in the designated bus loading zone.

• Please share this information with all drivers who may pick up your child.

Wednesday, 8/16

• First Day of School!
• Regular School Day 1st - 8th Grade
• TK Orientation, 8:30 - 9:30 Last Names A-L; 10:00 - 11:00 Last Names M-Z
• Kindergarten Orientation, 8:45 - 9:45 a.m.

Thursday, 8/17

• Minimum Day, 1st - 8th Grade
• TK Modified Schedule, 12:45 Dismissal 8/17 - 9/1
• Kindergarten Modified Schedule, 12:30 Dismissal 8/17 - 9/1

Friday, 8/18

• Clifford Spirit Day - Wear your Clifford Spirit Wear!

Thursday, 8/24

• Back to School Night - TK - 5th Grade: 6:00 - 6:45 pm; 6-8th Grade: 6:45 - 7:30 pm

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