Mustang Gazette

Principal's Message

The California Dashboard recently posted the assessment results for the 2023-24 school year. Henry Ford is proud to share that an additional 25% of our English Language Learners demonstrated growth on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC), moving us from "red" to "blue". The percentage of students on grade level in Math and ELA remained the same. Our goal last year, and again this year, is to move an additional 10% of our students to grade level. One of the biggest challenges in meeting this goal is attendance. Last year, over 130 students missed a month or more of school, just two absences a month adds up to an entire month of school! We need students in school so that we can provide them with the instruction they need to progress.

The staff and I continue to set smart goals, monitor student progress, make adjustments and provide small group instruction to meet the needs of our various learners and levels.

This year, one of our school wide goals is to increase student engagement as measured by turn and talks, white boards and choral response. We are also working to increase student's ability to problem-solve (rigor) through the use of district adopted curriculum, grade level collaboration and research based instructional practices. And, as always, we are working hard to increase attendance with monthly incentives, phone calls and parent meetings.

As parents, the best way to support your child is to get them to school regularly and on time, and just as important, have them read for 30 minutes a day, every day. Together, we can ensure every student is on grade level and beyond!

Budget Update:

As you know, COVID funds expired this year, and every school is facing budget cuts. Principals and School Site Council were asked to use their communities survey results to determine which positions to continue to fund. At Henry Ford, the positions included the following:

• Reading Intervention Teacher 1.0 FTE
• Counselor .5 FTE
• MTSS TOSA .5 FTE
• Guest Teacher 1.0 FTE
• Newcomer Teacher .5 FTE

Thanks to your feedback and our SSC's ability to think outside the box, we were able to come to a consensus, and ultimately able to fund every position, except our Guest Teacher. A Guest Teacher is a full-time substitute, and we have set aside funds to pay for a weekly or biweekly substitute, so classrooms have coverage when teachers are required to attend meetings.

Henry Ford's SSC meets again this month to vote on funding for the 2025-26 STEAM position. We would appreciate your feedback. Please complete the following survey by December 13th:

English:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1NpomEq7NDmuJxImJ8bvF3J_TXkI8vT0zKw3c7DeSK7w/edit

Spanish:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AOJSmZRTcLYBDWZC90RMdQ43uC0diyTfmmjdj0W0Sj8/edit

*Clap Out: Students lined the halls and "clapped" as our 5th graders headed off for Outdoor Ed.

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