Principal's Message
Dear Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion families,
I hope everyone is doing well! It was great seeing all the parents at the last two Cafecitos here at the school. Some of the parents were asking me for more information about Latinx Heritage Month or Hispanic Heritage Month (the official government designation). The term “Latinx” relates to people of Latin American origin or descent and is used as a gender-neutral or non-binary alternative to Latino or Latina. Latinx Heritage Month recognizes and honors the enduring contributions and importance of Latinx Americans to the U.S. and celebrates the many heritages and cultures of Americans from or with ancestors from Mexico, the Caribbean, Spain and Central and South America.
Hispanic Heritage Month first began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. It was expanded to cover a 30 day period by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 and is now officially September 15 to October 15. Mid-September was chosen because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Furthermore, Día de la Raza, also referred to as Indigenous Peoples Day, which is celebrated in Latin America in lieu of Columbus Day, falls within this 30 day period.
Clearly, teaching and learning about culture at our school is an essential component of our Dual Language Spanish Immersion model and happens all year long(not just during Latinx Heritage Month)as language and culture are inextricably connected. Learning a language gives the learner a “key” to the culture of the people who speak that language. Language is taught through a cultural lens because this allows students to view the world openly and to gain an understanding of other cultures at a deeper level. Dual language immersion programs offer students a way to become global citizens starting at a young age and to be able to view their education from a cultural and multilingual lens.
Here are some good resources for Latinx authors, stories to read, and videos to watch with your child(as age appropriate) to highlight Latinx Hispanic Heritage Month and all year long:
- Vamos a Leer: Teaching Latin America Through Literacy: Our Favorite Authors & Sites:You’ll find links to the websites of some authors of children and young adults who authentically and engagingly portray Latin America, the Caribbean, or Latinos in the United States in their writing. Books by many of these authors are featured in posts and/or Educator’s Guides on Vamos a Leer. To find those resources, enter the author’s name in the search bar to the right. You’ll also find a list of blogs, websites, publishers, and awards which we appreciate and think will be useful resources for our readers. Although some have been discontinued in recent years, their content remains relevant.
- Latino Americans PBS Learning Media: What are the stories of U.S. Latinos and how do they inform the broader American narrative? From southern Florida to the San Juan Islands of Washington state, from the pre-history of the nation through today's most contentious issues, Latino experiences illuminate our country’s history and its struggle to live up to its ideals. This collection of lesson plans, videos and classroom resources invites teachers and students to explore the history, people and issues chronicled in the PBS series, Latino Americans. Along the way, it engages students in dramatic real-life stories and offers primary texts that serve the goals of the Common Core.
- Scholastic Hispanic Heritage Month Books: Hispanic and LatinX Heritage Month is September 15th to October 15th! Scholastic is celebrating with books centering on Hispanic and Latino voices, experiences, and joy that will resonate far beyond a single month of the year.
Scholastic Book Fair!!
Save the dates for the annual Adelante Selby Scholastic Book Fair: Monday, October 24th-Saturday October 29th in Room 302. Every dollar you spend will benefit our school directly (25%-50% back in rewards!). There will be a large selection of books at a variety of price points starting at $3.00. Need some book inspiration? Check out Director Warren’s Scholastic Book List! Teachers will be taking their class to the Book Fair on a schedule TBD during the week. Additionally, the Book Fair will also be open before school and during lunch time for students. Finally, we also will be open on Saturday during the Día de los Muertos event.
Día de los Muertos and Trunk or Treat Family Friendly Events
The annual Día de Los Muertos family event will return this year in person and will be held on Saturday, October 29th from 11:00-2:00pm in the school Cafeteria and playground area. We will have traditional face painting, Baile Folclórico performances, a Danny G Dance performance, a few Bouncy Houses, tour of classroom altars, and arts and crafts for students to enjoy. We will have traditional and yummy Mexican street food style food for sale as a fundraiser for the 5th grade Outdoor Education and 4th grade Columbia field trips well. Please come!
Trunk or Treat 2022 will be In Person Walk Through on Monday, October 31st from 2:30-4:00pm. Please note the Front Parking Lot will be closed all day so Trunk or Treat volunteers can decorate the trunks of their cars and we can host our event after school. Keep in mind that it is an instructional school day and students must come following dress code. There is an early dismissal that day at 1:25. We need your HELP PLEASE with candy donations for Trunk or Treat: Nut free candy only due to allergies. You will assemble in the main hallways and can wait by the blue picnic tables after school with your child/family. You will then come into the front lot through the black gate by the office to Trunk or Treat. It's not too late If you would like to volunteer/participate(bring and decorate your car and give out treats), please let Jose Luna know: jluna@rcsdk8.net .
Unidos PTO: Direct Drive, Volunteers, Book Fair, and Spirit Wear
We need your financial support, please make a donation to Unidos PTO “Direct Drive” fundraiser. Through Unidos, every student at Adelante Selby receives valuable enrichment programs, including art, dance, and garden classes. We also fund social emotional help, literacy programs, field trips, classroom equipment, teacher appreciation, community events, and more. Most of the funding for these programs comes from direct donations. Employer matching may be available, and donations are tax deductible. During the 2022/23 school year, Unidos will spend approximately $350 per student which is the suggested donation amount. We understand these past two years have been challenging. No donation is too small or too big; every bit helps. Drop off your check in the School office or Visit UnidosPTO.org to donate NOW!Thank you!!
Parent Volunteer Applications - Approved volunteers are now officially allowed to volunteer on campus and in classrooms. Reminder, all new volunteers must submit an application with RCSD.
Book Fair - Volunteers are still needed for the annual Book Fair. Contact volunteers@unidosPTO.org
Spirit Wear - Volunteers are needed to help with Spirit Wear. Contact volunteers@unidosPTO.org
LifeTouch Pictures and Retake Day
Reminder If you would like to order photos from LifeTouch go to mylifetouch.com and enter our Picture Day ID#: EVTGR3H42. If your child was absent, Picture Make Up Day will be on Wednesday, November 16th.
Lost and Found
We already have an overflowing Lost and Found large wooden box/clothing rack by the office. Please stop by and claim any lost item: sweaters, sweatshirts, lunch boxes, and water bottles. Parents this is another reminder that it is very helpful to label/put your child's name on your child's lunch box, water bottle, and sweaters/jackets as students sometimes forget and leave them outside. Parents please be aware that we will be recycling any items that are not labeled with the student's name in Lost and Found at the end of every month.
Child Nutrition Services: October Breakfast and Lunch Menus
A healthy body fosters a healthy and focused mind. Well-rounded meals served in RCSD school cafeterias are created using USDA nutrition guidelines as well as “kid-approved” recipes. Whole grains, milk, fresh produce, protein, and healthy fats containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are the stars of the breakfast and lunch menu items. Studies show that good eating habits and healthy behaviors are connected to academic achievement. Meals provided by Child Nutrition Services help to shape lifelong healthy habits. All students have the opportunity to eat breakfast and lunch for free again this year through our Child Nutrition Services.
Here are the menus for October:
Familias Unidas Parent Workshops
Do you want your children to be successful in reading, math, and science this school year? Do you dream of your children graduating from college? You have the opportunity to learn how to help your children achieve academic success and join a community of lifelong learners. Registration for Familias Unidas, a free virtual parent engagement workshop in Spanish, is now open! If you have any questions, please call Mr. Zuno, 650-665-0122. Fill out the Google Form with this LINK
Sequoia Healthcare District and the Parent Venture Education Workshops
Parents/caregivers, educators, mental health professionals, and community members welcome! Free admission. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available.
The Stolen Year: How Covid Changed Children’s Lives, and Where We Go Now
Anya Kamenetz, Writer, Speaker, NPR Education Reporter
Thursday, October 13, 2022, 5:30pm – 6:30pm PT, Online Event (Live)
Register: https://anyakamenetz2022parentventure.eventbrite.com
The cost of closing our schools for so long during COVID, made with good intentions, has not yet been fully reckoned with. NPR education reporter Anya Kamenetz shows how the pandemic disrupted children’s lives—and how our country failed to put our children first.
Fentanyl Prevention Education: How to Help Teens Make Healthy Decisions
Stacey Wisniewski, Prevention Solutions, Hazeldon Betty Ford Foundation
Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 5:30pm – 6:30pm PT, Online Event (Live)
Register: https://staceywisniewski2022woodside.eventbrite.com
Join Stacey Wisniewski, Prevention Solutions, Hazeldon Betty Ford Foundation, to understand the risks of intentional and unintentional fentanyl use among adolescents. The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is an international leader in prevention science and education practices.
2022-23 COVID Protocols in Our School
The Redwood City School District (RCSD) is following recommendations from the San Mateo County Office of Education’s (SMCOE) COVID-19 Safe Schools Framework, which was developed for 2022-23 in consultation with San Mateo County Health (SMCH), reflecting guidance for schools and districts including from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). You can find our District’s 2022-23 protocols on the RCSD website here.
Highlights from the District Protocols:
- Masking is now "personal preference" for both students and staff indoors.
- Use this LINK to report if your child(ren) tests positive
- There will be school wide general notification of positive case(s) via email/text message.
Here is the most recent update from the district: Covid Protocols
Office Hours
Our school office hours are 8:00-4:00pm. Entering the office, all visitors it is highly recommended that you:
- wear a mask
- use hand disinfectant when entering the office
Please visit our school website , Adelante Selby Facebook Page and our PTO/Unidos webpage and social media accounts: unidospto.org, Facebook and Instagram for more information.
Regards,
Director Warren
