Principal's Newsletter

Dear Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion families

I hope everyone is well, had a wonderful Thanksgiving vacation, and are recharged for the next few weeks of school. I am grateful to work and be part of such a great school community of students, parents, and staff!

I want to shout out our English Learner students that were "redesignated" as fully proficient in English at a special ceremony at MIT Theater! A reminder that: Being Bilingual Is Our Super Power(see photo below)!

Starting today, our Student Council students will go through the PeaceMaker training(Conflict Mediators) so that they can help students work out small problems using the Peace Path at Recess and Lunch times. In this way students gain valuable leadership experience and small conflicts can be resolved amongst peers.

Beginning next week, our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade teachers will administer the Focused Interim Assessments which are practice writing tests from the state CAASPP website. Teachers will review the data from this assessment to determine the next steps for writing instruction to prepare the students for the ELA Performance Task portion of the CAASPP test in May. Parents and guardians are encouraged to view the practice tests on the CAASPP website: click here.

A reminder that 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. Here is the LINK to the Budget Renewal Initiative Committee Work for ongoing updates. Our School Site Council met on November 20th and recommended reducing the .5 MTSS coordinator and the .5 Mental Health counseling positions as they were not at our school prior to the COVID pandemic and are too costly to fund with the projected site budget for next year. The School Board will be voting to approve the 2025-2026 school year budget cuts at the December 11th Board Meeting.

Parents we are in need of a crossing guard for our school if you or anyone you know is interested have them use this LINK to apply for the job!

Please be aware that TK/Kindergarten Registration/School Of Choice and School Tours on Thursdays for the 2025/2026 School year have begun(see the paragraph below for more information)!

5th Grade Parents: Principal Chandra Leonardo from Kennedy Middle School will be hosting an important Parent Information Session via Zoom on December 12th at 6:00pm: https://rcsdk8-net.zoom.us/j/83573931176?pwd=aVyICvAM7rwhRrURyY8FqskUSBwMnG.1

Meeting ID: 835 7393 1176 Passcode: KENNEDY

The 4th and 5th grade Danny G Dance Recital at Carrington Hall was a great experience our students will never forget. They had Dance class weekly during the first Trimester with Danny G as part of the Enrichment rotation thanks to everyone's financial support with Unidos PTO. Each class then chose one dance/song to present at Carrington Hall. A very special SHOUT OUT to Danny G who did a great job choreographing(as always) and encouraging the students to do their best, "bring the energy", and to work together for the final presentation. Thank you to Jacob Creedon for recording the dances. Finally, a very special SHOUT OUT to parent volunteer Lauren Bowen who booked Carrington Hall, organized the ticket seating, and put together the program! Finally, a special THANK YOU to student presenters Charlotte McCarthy and Jade Romo for helping Director introduce each dance.

Enjoy the recordings below by clicking the links below:

• Maestra Bravo's Class: "Cumbia Anthem" music by El Dusty
• Maestra Elanor's Class:"Jump In Line" music by Harry Belafonte
• Maestra Rita's Class:"Grito Mudial" music by Daddy Yankee
• Maestro Jose Manuel's Class: "La Quebradora" music by Banda El Recodo.
• Maestra Lily's Class: "La Dueña Del Swing" music by Hermanos Rosario
• Maestra Jeannette's Class: "Pon De Replay" music by Rhianna

This year’s theme, “Every Voice Matters,” echoes the fundamental belief that every individual has a unique perspective and contributes to the rich tapestry of our school communities.

Creating more inclusive learning environments, dismantling barriers to participation, and promoting equity and understanding among all members of the school community is crucial for several reasons.

Throughout the week, we’ll honor the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students, educators, and families. From classroom activities to school and community events, we’ll highlight the importance of fostering inclusive environments where every voice is heard, valued, and respected.

Our sister school, Kennedy, will host a parent engagement session this afternoon (Monday, December 2nd)from 4:00pm- 5:00pm with Changing Perspectives Director, Sam Drazin, via Zoom with this LINK. Get the info below. Share with friends and neighbors! This event is open to any and everyone in Redwood City. This coming Saturday, Roosevelt School will be hosting an Inclusive Schools Celebration for the entire school district with entertainment, craft and sensory activities, and snacks: click the LINK for more information

Walk-a-thon is RESCHEDULED now until Friday, January 31, 2025!

Cold fall rain may inspire you to cuddle up with a good book or make a big pot of soup, but it isn’t very good for walking around outside, even if it’s for a good cause. It’s for that reason that the Walk-A-Thon was postponed… but it will still happen! Our fabulous Walk-A-Thon committee has picked a new date: January 31, 2025!

A delay like this does present a golden opportunity to extend our donation window! We’ve set a goal of $55,000 and we’ve reached $32,000, with only 26% of families participating. Imagine what we could all do together, so please donate today to close the gap and fund more amazing initiatives at Adelante Selby.

What to plan for this year’s Walk-A-Thon:

• The 3 classrooms that earn the most donations will receive $100 towards their teacher's Amazon Wish List and a movie party with popcorn!
• The 3 classrooms that complete the most laps will win a fruit popsicle party.
• All classes that have 100% participation will earn a Free Dress Day!
• Parents and family members are invited to cheer on our students in the afternoon on January 31st!

We would love participation from family and friends to cheer on our students and that we are looking for volunteers to make the Walk-a-thon a successful event. Sign up to volunteer here: https://www.evite.com/signup-sheet/5911411560546304.

Walk-a-thon Schedule Friday, January 31st:

1:00pm to 1:25pm - TK and K

1:30pm to 1:55pm - 1st and 2nd

2:00pm to 2:25pm - 3rd, 4th, and 5th

New TK/Kindergarten Registration 2025/26 and Tours

The School District Enrollment and School of Choice for 2025/26 TK/Kindergarten opened on November 15th and continues through Friday, January 17th at 3:00pm. It is important that both the Registration/Enrollment Form for your home school(based on your address) and the School of Choice Form for Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion must be completed by January 19th. Current PreSchool students here on our campus and siblings of students who are currently enrolled here and at Kennedy in the Spanish Immersion strand have priority acceptance as long as the forms are completed on time by January 19th. Please complete this Adelante Selby Sibling 2025/26 Form so we can alert the District to prioritize your acceptance for next year.

Please help get the word out to family, friends, and neighbors about our weekly informational TK/Kindergarten Tours that meet in person at the school office every Thursday at 8:40AM and the tours will continue through the end of January. Please register for a TK/Kindergarten Tour with this form: TK/Kindergarten Tour Registration. Promoting our school by "word of mouth" from parents and community members is the best way to "market" our school and immersion program to prospective new parents. When promoting our school, keep in mind that mastering two or more languages has enormous benefits for our students, both native speakers of English and native speakers of the target language(Spanish) at a dual language immersion school. Other talking points when talking about our school are that research has confirmed the benefits of biliteracy and bilingualism that are demonstrated as brain and cognitive functioning, academic, economic, and social advantages, as well as cross-cultural competency and supporting a stronger family cohesion and connection to their family heritage.

Luminarias are used throughout the world to light windows, sidewalks, and streets during the holiday season. As a bilingual and bicultural Spanish Immersion school, the families of Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion want to share this tradition with you. We invite you to participate in Luminaria Night Saturday, December 21st, it is the WInter Solistice and the shortest and darkest day of the year, by placing your luminarias for all to see, as well as going on a walk to see other luminarias in your neighborhood. Please purchase your luminarias online by Sunday, December 15. Kits can be picked up on the following days, or purchased in person while supplies last:

• Thursday, December 19 at the Holiday Walk 7:45-8:30am, OR 4:30-6:30pm by the school office

• Friday, December 20 from 5:00-8:00 pm at the Red Morton Light Show

Each kit costs $10 and includes supplies to make six luminarias.

Kits include instructions and can be made at home, then set out on the evening of December 21st to light up our neighborhoods.

Funds raised will support our 5th graders as they prepare for Outdoor Ed and promotion this year.

Honey Bear Trees Fundraiser

This year, Honey Bear Trees will be donating 15% of tree purchases from anyone who shows this flyer… so tell your friends and family to join in the fun too! Beautiful trees grown on the Cocco Christmas Tree Farm in Oregon’s Cascade foothills are on sale now in the Caltrain lot across the street from Trader Joe’s.

Sunshine Sips Volunteers Needed

Sunshine Sips is a self-funded teacher collective that brings a little sunshine to members at Adelante Selby by providing pick-me-ups at the end of each month. They’re asking for Unidos to help find volunteers to distribute tasty drinks and smiles for December. Sign up here and show your support:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CA5AC2CA5FDC70-51161995-sunshine#/

To combat the increasing cuts planned by Redwood City School District, a group of parents are coming together to explore a citizen-led parcel tax initiative to support our schools. Since it would be led by the community rather than the district, it would only need 50% + 1 vote to pass. We’re meeting on December 10th at 6pm in the Grove Community Room at Sports Basement to get a group of parents together who might be willing to help.

RSVP here to let us know you're interested in the initiative (whether you can make it to the meeting or not). If you have any questions you can reach out to Jessica Shade or Carlo Contavalli.

Understanding Addiction: A Community Conversation for Parents, Caregivers, and Educators

Eduardo Torres, Founder, Pathways for Prevention

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 5:30pm – 6:30pm PT, Virtual Event (Live)

Register: https://eduardotorres2024phcdsmuhsd.eventbrite.com

Understanding how to harness parental and community strengths is key to protecting our children and fostering healthier families. For Latino parents, cultural values such as family unity, respect, and community connections can play a powerful role in prevention.

The Breakthrough Years: A New Scientific Framework for Raising Thriving Teens

Ellen Galinsky, Researcher and Author of The Breakthrough Years

Thursday, December 5, 2025, 5:30pm – 6:30pm PT, Virtual Event (Live)

Register: https://ellengalinsky2024.eventbrite.com

Ellen Galinsky, developmental expert and author of The Breakthrough Years and Mind in the Making, will discuss the latest in adolescent development and brain research while offering concrete solutions to address the challenges of growing up today.

Parents/caregivers, students, educators, health professionals, and community members welcome! Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available. Free admission.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five, through funding shared by Dolly Parton and local community partners in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Republic of Ireland

Redwood City families are eligible for this great opportunity. Parents just need to sign up. The program will mail out a free book each month until the child turns five.

https://imaginationlibrary.com/

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(e.g, cupcakes). You are welcome to send healthy alternatives or non-edible items such as pencils, erasers or fidget toys. Typically, teachers will take the last Friday of the month to celebrate students birthdays for the entire month.

After School Programs for 2024/25

If interested in more information about after school programs please contact the following coordinators via email:

• REACH enrolling over 200 students in K-5th grades: Contact: kjimenez@redwoodcity.org
• Siena Youth Center with 80 students in 1st-5th grades: Contact: mrtenorio@stfrancisrwc.org
• YMCA with 40 students TK- 2nd grades: Contact: Eliana.Gonzalez@ymcasv.org

Additionally, Casa Círculo provides after school classes and opportunities for many of our students

Our school office hours are 8:00-4:00pm. All visitors to our school during school hours (not for Drop Off or Pick Up times) must come through and sign in at the school office.

Helpful Information Can Be Found In The Links Below:

Regards,

Director Warren

• Monday, Dec 2: Sam Drazin: "Using Literature to Foster Disability Awareness at Home" via ZOOM LINK (Meeting ID: 898-264-19066) from 4:00pm-5:00pm: Hosted by Kennedy Middle School
• Tuesday, Dec. 3: Unidos PTO Meeting, 5:30-7:30pm: School Library
• Thursday, Dec. 5: Sushi Plus Dine Out Fundraiser: 30 Woodside Plaza(mention Adelante Selby)
• Saturday, Dec. 7: Disability Awareness Celebration: Roosevelt School 9:30-11:30am.
• Monday, Dec 9: ELAC Parent Meeting 8:45-10:00am: STEAM Lab
• Wednesday, Dec 11: School Site Council 3:00pm: Library
• Thursday, Dec. 12: Food Distribution: 2:45-4:30pm Front Parking Lot: All Are Welcome!!
• Thursday, Dec. 12: Kennedy Middle School 5th grade Parent Information Meeting 6:00pm via Zoom: https://rcsdk8-net.zoom.us/j/83573931176?pwd=aVyICvAM7rwhRrURyY8FqskUSBwMnG.1

  Meeting ID: 835 7393 1176 Passcode: KENNEDY

• Friday, Dec. 13: Holiday Spirit Dress Day(or follow dress code)
• Friday, Dec. 20: Free Dress Day(Last Friday of the month)
• Friday, Dec 20: Super Minimum Day Dismissal: TK:11:30; Kinder 11:35; 1st-5th: 11:45am
• Saturday, Dec. 21: Set Out Your Luminarias For All To See(Winter Solistice shortest day of the year)
• Monday, Dec 23- Monday, January 6: WInter Holiday Vacation: No School
• Tuesday, January 7th, 2025: Classes Resume