Mustang Gazette

Principal's Message

As we kick off the new year at Henry Ford, I want to extend a warm welcome back to all our students and families after a well-deserved winter break! We are excited to resume learning and build upon the great progress made in the first half of the school year.

This month, students will be diving deeper into their grade level standards, which includes writing Informative, Narrative and Opinion Essays. In the younger grades, students start with one sentence for each genre, then move to a paragraph with an introduction and conclusion. Our goal is for all of our students to write a cohesive, three-paragraph essay that sites evidence from the text, includes transition words and complete sentences.

During our Professional Development Day on Monday, teachers spent time using rubrics to analyze student writing samples. Rubrics not only help teachers determine what specific skill students need support with, but gives students an opportunity to analyze their own work and develop an understanding of what skills they need to include (supporting evidence, transition words...) so that they can move to the next level. Parents can support their children at home by keeping a journal. It is a fun way to practice writing and something kids enjoy reading when they are older.

Important Reminders

• Attendance: Please ensure your child is present and on time for school each day. This month, every class with a 95% attendance rate or higher gets to participate in a gem hunt!
• Dress Code: Remember to dress your child appropriately for the colder weather, with layers and appropriate footwear. For safety reasons, we ask that you do not send your child to school in Crocs.
• Pick Up: We have had two accidents this year due to illegal U-turns from the pickup line. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but in order to keep all of our students safe, we all need to follow the rules.

*Photos below are from our Winter Concert at Carrington Hall!

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