Mustang Gazette
January 2024
Principal's Message
I hope you enjoyed the winter break and were able to spend time with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you and your children at school on Tuesday, January 9th.
The Winter Concert, once again, proved to be a huge success. Thanks to your generosity (yummy food donations and purchases) our PTA was able to raise the funds needed to cover the rental fee. The Sequoia High School Auditorium was a beautiful venue, it accommodated our 800+ families, and thanks to your donations, no tickets were needed.
Apart from the pride students felt during their performances, events like this are a reminder of what an incredible community we have here at Henry Ford. The students are amazing! The teachers and staff are dedicated and willing to do anything to support students. We have an amazing group of parents who donate countless hours volunteering. And, most importantly, our families genuinely care about and look out for one another's children. I feel very fortunate to be a part of Henry Ford.
Professional Development Days:
The staff here at Henry Ford continues to engage in ongoing Professional Development. On Monday, January 8th, teachers are participating in two workshops; Illustrative Math and Flexible, Small-Group Targeted Instruction. Both trainings are designed to equip staff with tools and resources to effectively implement rigorous problem-based learning. The new math curriculum is designed to give students time in class working on carefully crafted and sequenced problems. Rather than giving step-by-step directions like we often did in the past, students now have the opportunity to figure out how to solve problems on their own or with partners. Teachers help students understand the problems, guide them as needed, and ask questions to push their thinking to deepen their understanding.
Flexible, Small-Group Target Instruction is used throughout the day to ensure every student is working at their instructional level. Assessment data is utilized to create both math and reading groups.
On January 11th, teachers are attending an in-person training on the California Reading and Literature Project (CRLP) at the San Mateo County Office of Education. The CRLP Project was designed to provide high quality, standards-based professional development in Reading and Language-Arts instruction. As in any field, it is important to stay up to-to-date with the latest research, methods and technologies. As educators, when we improve our practice, it directly benefits our students. And here at Henry Ford, we want every students to receive the best education possible.
Upcoming Schoolwide Events
SUPER Minimum Day
Thursday, 1/11
TK 11:15
K 11:30
1st - 5th 11:45
No School
Monday, 1/15
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Coffee w/ the Principal
Friday, 2/2
Join us at 8:20 in the library!
Important Information
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS .... Just got easier!
Our school nurse is now eligible to sign off on your TB clearance as long as you meet the requirements on a risk assessment questionnaire (attached). Please email Thelma Florescaticzon at tflorescaticzon@rcsdk8.net to set up an appointment.
District Volunteer Requirements/Applications.
https://www.rcsdk8.net/our-programs-and-services/human-resources/volunteer
UPCOMING:
1/10 NSA or Stay? Virtual Informational Night for 2nd grade parents.
- 6:00 online at https://meet.google.com/fxr-pnao-iwr?authuser=0
1/11 Incoming Kinder Parent Information Night
- 6:30 in the Henry Ford Library
1/16 PTA Meeting
- 7:00
- 8:20 on the blacktop
- 4:00 online at https://meet.google.com/hcq-xmij-gan?authuser=0
2/6 Reunion de ELAC (English Language Advisory Committee)
- 7:00 online at https://meet.google.com/hcq-xmij-gan?authuser=0
- Passcode: HF 23-24 yearbook 101456358697603.
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. You are welcome to send non-edible items such as pencils, erasers or fidget toys. Student birthdays are announced during our morning announcements.
DROP-Off & DISMISSAL:
Please do not make U-turns in the middle of the street, it is unsafe for our students and the drivers.
COVID-19 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
Parents are to complete a self-reporting form when a student tests positive for COVID-19 (link below). Our office staff is happy to assist you in filling out the form if help is needed. Once you complete the reporting form, you will receive an automatic response with the isolation guidelines. We do ask that you continue calling the school office to report your child's absences.
Self-Reporting Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjT9TpUXTf0y3VMe5wQVsniMkUB4MWDkd2NlAQJ-BqWYKhPQ/viewform
COVID-19 Notifications:
In lieu of individual exposure notifications letters from each school site, RCSD will send a general notification to the entire school community during times of elevated community transmission. This communication is an attempt to alert our community of the increased potential of being exposed to COVID-19, to monitor for symptoms, test and quarantine when positive.
For any further questions, email: StudentCOVIDResponse@rcsdk8.net
RESOURCES
Henry Ford Parent & Student Handbook:
English: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jwgJaeQMRcZqZ_tro_AL-IHl4R5gNQJH/view
EspaƱol: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mtPQ6CHoJrHwa9rIV3TUmkHsCh2lPOAJ/view
School Breakfast/Lunch Menu
https://www.myschoolmenus.com/organizations/1184
After School Programs:
REACH: mstewart@redwoodcity.org
Catalyst Kids: BHuss@catalystkids.org
Henry Ford School
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