Mustang Gazette

Congratulations on a fantastic start to the new school year! I was impressed to see how quickly returning students picked up their routines and our new students integrated into community. I feel very proud to work at such a welcoming and inclusive school!

Over the first few days of school, students were reintroduced to our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) expectations: • BE RESPECTFUL • BE RESPONSIBLE • BE SAFE. In addition to a kick-off assembly, classes rotated through identified locations on campus where they had the opportunity to learn exactly what it means to be respectful, responsible and safe in each setting. For example, our librarian reviewed the rules for the library, Ms. Sanchez reviewed the rules for the play structure and I reviewed the expectations for the cafeteria.

All of our rules/expectations are designed to keep our students safe, both physically and emotionally. When students know exactly what is expected from them, they are much more likely to be successful in following them. Additionally, research has shown that when you focus on what students are doing right, rather than trying to catch them doing something wrong, behaviors significantly improve. As such, our PBIS team will be rolling out Mustang Tickets soon. Mustang Tickets are given to students when they are "caught" being respectful, responsible or safe. The tickets are collected and names are drawn each week to reward and encourage positive behaviors.

Students and staff are looking forward to participating in our enrichment classes that begin this week. This year, students have the opportunity to participate in the following classes during the school day: ⭐Gardening ⭐STEAM ⭐Library ⭐PE+ ⭐ Project Cornerstone ⭐Art in Action.

Additional enrichments are offered after school throughout the year. Information regarding classes are are posted on ClassDojo as they become available.

We have a busy month ahead of us. Please be sure to mark the dates listed below and follow Class Dojo for reminders.

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Phase II: RCSD Modernization and Construction Program

As part of RCSD's ongoing efforts to enhance the educational environment for our students and staff, we are excited to inform you that the Facility Master Planning process for the Redwood City School District, funded by Measure S (2022 Bond) is underway. To ensure the success of this project, it is crucial to gather diverse perspectives from across our school community. This includes parents, staff and community members. As such, each school site is creating a Facility Master Plan Committee. Members of the committee will be given the opportunity to identify facility needs and priorities for Henry Ford. Please consider joining us in this important endeavor to enhance our school campus and support student learning. For more information on how to get involved, feel free to reach out to Ms. Knopf.

September Calendar:

9/2 Labor Day, No School

9/10 Ice Cream Social at 6:30 & PTA Meeting at 7:00pm

9/12 Back to School Night

9/13 Minimum Day

9/16 ELAC Meeting at 8:30am

9/24 School Site Council Meeting at 4:00pm

9/27 Picture Day

9/30 Staff Development, No School

9/31-10/4. Goal Setting Conferences, Super Minimum Days

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.

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.

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