Dear Parents and Guardians,

This year, one of our goals is to increase the number of students who attend school on a daily basis. We know that life can get busy, and sometimes there are unavoidable circumstances like illness or family emergencies. However, frequent absences, even for valid reasons, add up over time and can have a significant impact on your child's education.

The state of California defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10% or more of the school year, which is just two days a month. To date, 20% or 80 students at Henry Ford are considered chronically absent. The absences range from 7 to 20 days. Although this is an improvement from last year, where we had an average of 30% or 120 kids who were chronically absent, I know we can do better.

Here’s why good attendance is so important:

1. Academic Success: Children who attend school regularly are more likely to keep up with daily lessons and assignments. Missing even a day can make it harder for students to catch up, as they may miss out on foundational skills that are critical for future learning.

2. Social and Emotional Development: School isn’t just about academics. It's where children build friendships, develop social skills, and learn to work collaboratively. Frequent absences can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety about falling behind.

3. Positive Habits for Life: Consistent attendance helps students establish good habits early in life. By attending school regularly, they learn responsibility, time management, and the importance of showing up, which are valuable skills for their future.

4. Teacher-Student Relationships: Regular attendance fosters a stronger relationship between students and their teachers. Teachers can better understand each child’s strengths and areas for improvement when students are present, leading to more personalized learning.

The PTA is working on a directory that identifies parents who are willing to carpool or pick up your child in an emergency. We are also organizing a "Get to Know Your Neighbor Night", so that families can meet other parents that live near them and use one another as a resource.

Please feel free to reach out if there are challenges that are affecting your child’s ability to attend school. We are here to support you in any way we can. We are all in this together!

Your Feedback is Needed in Budget Renewal Initiative

This fall, we are moving through a process of deciding what services will continue in our school and across the school district. The upcoming budget reductions, which will be implemented in 2025-26, are due to additional COVID recovery one-time funds coming to an end next summer. The RCSD community will be a part of this process, and you are invited to participate.

Follow this Process and Provide Your Feedback

Professional Development

On Monday, 9/30, our staff began implementing Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Grade level teams met to analyze student data, select a focus standard, create SMART goals, and work together to come up with an instructional plan and solutions to ensure all students make expected growth. We are looking forward to our next Professional Development Day when we can spend time analyzing results, coming up with next steps and making new SMART Goals.

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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