Dolphin Digest
February 26, 2024
I am thrilled to announce and extend heartfelt congratulations to our 12 English Learner students who have recently been reclassified! These students were recognized at RCSD's Reclassification Ceremony on Thursday, February 15. This is a significant achievement that reflects hard work, dedication, and perseverance in mastering the English language.
To be reclassified as an English learner means that a student who was previously identified as needing English language support has demonstrated sufficient proficiency in English to participate fully in mainstream academic instruction without additional language support services. Reclassification is often based on various criteria, such as standardized test scores, classroom performance, and language proficiency assessments. Once reclassified, the student is no longer classified as an English learner and is considered proficient in English. This milestone is significant as it reflects the student's successful transition to English language proficiency and readiness to engage fully in academic content.
Once again, congratulations to these students on this remarkable achievement!
Friday, March 1
- PTO Coffee, Front of School - 8:00 a.m.
Tuesday, March 5
- Spring Picture Day
Thursday, March 7
- Super Minimum Day - District Appointed for Staff Professional Development - 11:30 Dismissal
- 5th Grade Clifford Middle School Shadow Day
- ELAC Parent Social, MUB - 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Friday, March 8
- ELAC Meeting, Family Center - 8:15 a.m.
- End of Trimester 2
- Clifford School Auction, Domenico Winery - 6:00 p.m.
Monday, March 11 - Friday, March 15
- Scholastic Book Fair
Thursday, March 14
- Middle School Information Night, Virtual - 5:00 p.m.
- PTO Meeting, Library & Virtual - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, March 15
- Principal's Coffee, Family Center - 8:15 a.m.
Monday, March 18 - Friday, March 22
- Parent Teacher Conferences - Regular Minimum Day All Week
It is with great enthusiasm and respect that we embrace the celebration of Black History Month. This annual observance provides us with a valuable opportunity to recognize, honor, and celebrate the contributions, achievements, and experiences of Black individuals throughout history and within our contemporary society.
Black History Month is not only a time to reflect on the profound impact of Black leaders, visionaries, and changemakers but also a moment for us to acknowledge and appreciate the diversity, strength, and resilience of the Black community. It serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs, the challenges overcome, and the progress made towards justice, equality, and empowerment.
Throughout this month and beyond, we are committed to fostering a learning environment that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusivity, and cultivates understanding and empathy. Our curriculum will incorporate lessons and discussions that highlight the rich tapestry of Black history and culture, and will also include a door decorating contest and a guest speaker.
Together, let us honor Black History Month with reverence, gratitude, and a steadfast commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Hello Clifford Dolphins,
I wanted to remind folks of a few things that we are continuing into next week and a new bike train initiative. Below I listed our weekly updates:
Bike Train
I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you all! As we look ahead to the warmer months and brighter days, I am delighted to announce that we will be starting a Bike Train initiative at our school later this spring.
The Bike Train is aimed at promoting safe and enjoyable bicycling to school for our students. As part of this initiative, I have volunteered to lead the effort, but I can't do it alone. We are in need of enthusiastic volunteers to help make this initiative a success! If you are interested in volunteering please email Mark Waldrop at borealsoils@gmail.com.
Bread and Bag Wednesdays
As we continue to provide this service and support our fellow Clifford families, please consider donating dried goods to our pantry. You can click here to see a list of items of dried goods/essentials that we are in need of. We appreciate all the donations that have been coming in from this week!
If you would like to request dry goods, fruits, vegetables, or feminine hygiene products please complete this google form every Monday.
Clothing Distribution
If you are interested in coming to the Family Center to pick out clothing please feel out this form to schedule an appointment. The form opens up every Monday and you are allowed to schedule a meeting on designated days/times.
We love our parent volunteers! Clifford and Redwood City School District (RCSD) welcomes volunteers and partners in a systematic process to ensure the health and safety of our students. Over many years, volunteers have provided assistance to our school programs and our collective efforts to educate our students in academic, social, and emotional opportunities. School campuses and the Department of Human Resources have an established and thorough process to ensure safety and communicate expectations to our volunteers.
Depending on your volunteer level, you will be required to submit/complete the following items:
- Volunteer Application
- TB Test Result or TB Risk Assessment
- Driver’s License/Government ID
- Livescan Fingerprints- only required for volunteers who will be alone with students
Here are the levels of volunteerism and the level of clearance they require:
Level 1 - Volunteers working under constant direct supervision of an RCSD employee - this includes classroom support or supervision or supervised school event support.
Level 1 Requirements: complete the volunteer application, proof of a valid CA drivers license or US issued ID card, and proof of TB test result/assessment.
Level 2 - Volunteers working under the supervision of an RCSD employee, but may occasionally be unsupervised while working with students - this includes tutoring partners, field trip volunteers on the bus or chaperoning a field trip.
Level 2 Requirements: complete the volunteer application, proof of a valid CA drivers license or US issued ID card, and proof of TB test result/assessment AND LiveScan fingerprinting. If you need assistance with paying the Livescan fee ($45 + Gov. fee) our PTO is able to reimburse you. LiveScan is available at most Redwood City UPS stores.
Level 3 - Volunteers who will be alone working with or mentoring students. The student may be transported by the volunteer. - this includes tutoring partners, overnight field trip volunteers, certain school events, and contracted partners.
Level 3 Requirements: complete the volunteer application, proof of a valid CA drivers license or US issued ID card, and proof of TB test result/assessment AND LiveScan fingerprinting. If you need assistance with paying the Livescan fee ($45 + Gov. fee) our PTO is able to reimburse you. LiveScan is available at most Redwood City UPS stores.
Volunteer clearance is processed through our district office - we are not allowed to clear parents here at school. The process of becoming a cleared volunteer can take a few weeks, therefore, please submit your paperwork several weeks in advance of when you'd like to volunteer. Once you are cleared as a parent volunteer, you do not have to renew your application each year.
Please consider taking part in some of these parent volunteer opportunities:
Before & After School Crossing Guard - We are looking for parent volunteers who would be interested in helping us keep the crosswalks on Clifford Avenue safe before and after school. If you are interested, please sign up here. Crossing guard volunteers do not need to have district clearance since they are working before the school day and outside of campus.
Lunch Supervision - We can always use an extra pair of hands and eyes during students' lunch times. If you are interested in volunteering during lunch, please email Vice Principal, Casey Nosky @ cnosky@rcsdk8.net. Lunch volunteers will need Level 2 clearance.
For more information on how to become a cleared volunteer and what the different levels entail, please go to the volunteers page on the district website. Please note: volunteer clearance can take a few weeks. To check if you are a cleared volunteer, please visit or call the school office.
Starting in the new year, we will be using a new Absence Reporting Link for parents to use if they need to report a student absence. Please bookmark this link to use when reporting absences starting January 9, 2024. Families can also still call the school office to report absences at (650) 482-2402.
Student Absence Reporting Link: https://forms.gle/7CmFsVZ9eET4jeZg6
