Mustang Gazette

Thanks to our PTA, Measure U and Proposition 28, Henry Ford students have the opportunity to participate in multiple enrichment classes throughout their school day.

Gardening

The Henry Ford school garden is not just a nice bit of green space– it’s an opportunity for hands-on learning and engagement! In the weekly garden class taught by Climate Corps Education Outside fellows, students have been able to engage with nature, grow their own food, and learn about NGSS-aligned science concepts such as life cycles and ecosystems through real-world examples.

In the past year, students have enjoyed planting and harvesting carrots, making lemonade with garden strawberries, and setting up composting experiments, just to name a few highlights. Community volunteers help plant, weed, and tend to the garden, contributing to the students’ hard work, and adding to the shared bounty!

STEAM

Students in Kinder -2nd grade are learning about Digital Citizenship and Coding Concepts with interactive programs such as RodoCodo, Bee Bots, and Lego Spike Coding/Robotics. Our 3rd graders are busy working on Animal Inventions! Students were put into teams and tasked with inventing and building animals with specific structures and functions that allow them to survive in a specific environment- an essential concept in the CA Science Standards. Students in 4th grade are starting their Interactive CA Map Regions (CA History Standard) Models using Makey Makey microcomputers to make the maps interactive and informative. Similarly, 5th graders are working on Interactive Respiratory (CA Science Standard) Models using Makey Makey microcomputers to record themselves explaining the various functions of the respiratory system.

Attendance:

As you know, we are working hard to improve student attendance at Henry Ford. In addition to increasing the number of students who attend school, we want to reduce the number of students who arrive late. As such, we will no longer be using site funds to pay staff to monitor late students in front of the school. Campus opens at 8:00 and school starts at 8:15. Starting 12/02, the gates will be shut at 8:20. For the safety of our students, any student that arrives after 8:20 will need their parent/guardian to walk them to the office and sign them in.

RCSD Budget Renewal Initiative: Community Input Sought

Our school district has launched the Budget Renewal Initiative in preparation for necessary budget adjustments for the 2025-26 school year. These changes are prompted by the upcoming expiration of one-time federal and state funds that supported additional student services in the aftermath of the pandemic.

The district is committed to a transparent and community-driven process and is seeking input from the entire community.

To gather feedback, RCSD is inviting all families and staff members to participate in a district-wide survey. The input collected will help guide discussions and recommendations that will be presented to the Board of Trustees in December.

Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts by completing this survey. Your voice is important to prioritize student services!

*STEAM: 4th graders designed interactive games for their Kinder Buddies!

We Are Henry Ford video! https://player.vimeo.com/video/809112388?h=4de0da68ca

TK & Kinder School Tours:

Please use this link to sign up to attend. Space is limited, so sign up early!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CA8AE2AA0F58-38771506-kindergarten#/

TK and Kindergarten tours take place on selected Tuesdays and Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. November (for TK only), and December through January (for TK/K tours)

Feel free to contact our school office with questions at 650-482-2404

DRESS CODE:

Please avoid sending students to school wearing crocks or open toed shoes. In addition to PE, students play soccer, tag, dance, and climb on the play structure, all activities that require appropriate footwear.

REPORTING ABSENCES: The district has adopted a new attendance system called Safe Arrivals to make reporting and monitoring attendance more efficient. Families can now report absences in advance by calling 1-888-403-5535 (toll-free), visit the website at http://home.schoolmessenger.com/or use the School Messenger App. See flier below for more information.

Please note, if you report an absence after 10:00 am, you may still receive an automated phone call asking you why your child is not in school. Families are still welcome to call the office and email the teacher when their child is absent.

Math Home Connection: https://ilclassroom.com/resources/16847049

HENRY FORD PARENT & STUDENT HANDBOOK:

English: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jwgJaeQMRcZqZ_tro_AL-IHl4R5gNQJH/view

Español: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K-_jd66LMk1Vqp__Oe1NcRNSjqF7TRXd/edit

DROP-Off & PICK-UP

Thank you for following the new 15 MPH speed limit. See flier below for more information.

• Use the crosswalk. If you park across the street, please walk to the crosswalk.
• No U-Turns in the middle of the street. It is against the law and dangerous.
• Parking Lot Entrance. Please do not enter or block the entry to the parking lot while you are waiting in line. Buses, staff, deliveries and maintenance need to be able to enter.
• Dismissal. Pick-up times are staggered to keep traffic flowing. If you have a student in 4th or 5th grade, please do not come early. Younger siblings will be supervised until you arrive.

BIRTHDAYS

Our district works hard to create balanced lunches that include whole grains, protein, fruits and vegetables. As such, please do not bring sugary treats to school to celebrate your child's birthday. Student birthdays are announced during our morning announcements. If you would like to do more, we suggest donating a book in your child's honor.

COUNSELING SERVICES:

Link to our parent referral form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCaY2zUJmj5iIV2y6JyWOYa5QKm4N21gXeGXg6Nsga7vYpXA/viewform

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

District Volunteer Requirements/Applications.

https://www.rcsdk8.net/our-programs-and-services/human-resources/volunteer

Our school nurse is now eligible to sign your TB clearance as long as you meet the requirements on a risk assessment questionnaire. Please contact the school to request an assessment form and set up an appointment.

School Breakfast/Lunch Menu

https://www.myschoolmenus.com/organizations/1184

After School Programs:

REACH: mstewart@redwoodcity.org

Catalyst Kids: BHuss@catalystkids.org

Henry Ford is a neighborhood school that celebrates the diversity of its kindergarten through fifth grade students. Our commitment is to meet the needs of all students by providing the academic, social, and emotional successes that are essential to the development of a child's potential.

Email: jknopf@rcsdk8.net
Website: https://www.rcsdk8.net/henryford
Location: 2498 Massachusetts Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94061, USA
Phone: 650.482.2404
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HenryFordSchool