
Dolphin Digest
November 20, 2023
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Clifford Community,
I hope this message finds you well as we continue to navigate through another enriching academic year together. As we approach the season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the unwavering support, dedication, and collaboration of our entire school community.
To our extraordinary teaching staff, your passion for education and commitment to nurturing the growth of our students do not go unnoticed. Your tireless efforts, creativity, and compassion create an inspiring learning environment that empowers our students to reach their fullest potential. Thank you for being the guiding lights in their educational journey.
To our exceptional students, you are the heart and soul of our school, and your enthusiasm for learning is truly inspiring. Your curiosity, resilience, and unique perspectives contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our school community. Keep embracing knowledge, embracing challenges, and embracing each other.
To our supportive families, your partnership is invaluable, and we are grateful for the trust you place in us every day. Your involvement, encouragement, and understanding create a strong foundation for the success of our students. Thank you for being active participants in their educational experience.
As we reflect on the achievements and growth of the past months, let's carry the spirit of gratitude into the future. Together, we can continue to create a nurturing and inspiring environment for our students to thrive.
Wishing you and your families a joyous week filled with warmth, connection, and moments of gratitude.
With heartfelt thanks,
Kristy Jackson
Upcoming Important Dates
Monday, November 20
- Rescheduled Lockdown Drill - 10:45 a.m.
Tuesday, November 21
- Super Minimum Day - 11:30 Dismissal
Wednesday, November 22 - Friday, November 24
- No School - Thanksgiving Holiday
Tuesday, November 28
- 2nd Grade CoGat Assessment
Wednesday, November 29
- Vision Screenings - Grades TK, 2nd, 5th, 8th & Students with IEPs
Friday, December 1
- PTO Coffee - 8:15 a.m. - Front of School
Monday, December 4 - Friday, December 8
- Inclusive Schools Week
- 7th & 8th Grade Westminster Woods Field Trip
Thursday, December 7
- District Appointed Super Minimum Day - 11:30 Dismissal
Friday, December 8
- English Learner Advisory Council Meeting - 8:30 a.m. - Family Center
Friday, December 15
- Middle School Dance
Monday, December 18
- Kindergarten Recital
Wednesday, December 20
- Super Minimum Day before Winter Break - 11:30 Dismissal
Thursday, December 21 - Friday, January 5
- Winter Break - No School
Monday, January 8
- No School - Staff Professional Development Day
Tuesday, January 9
- Back to School!
Family Center Update
Hi Clifford families!
Here at the Family Center we are excited to offer services for the holidays and beyond. Please see below:
Adopt a Family:
The Family Center is excited to announce our Holiday Sponsor Adopt a Family Opportunity for 2023. We are looking to cater to targeted families that are in need. If you are interested in sponsoring a family, please answer the series for questions below.
How it works:
The Family Center will maintain confidentiality and coordinate the communication between both the sponsor and family being sponsored.
All gifts need to be wrapped and dropped off in the Family Center by December 11, 2023.
The budget for the sponsor will be between $30-60. If you would like to exceed the budget, you are welcome to do so, although it is not required.
Once the Sponsor Interest form is submitted, the Family Center will be in contact with the wishlist of the family being sponsored.
Please note that not all sponsors will be matched with a family because we are only sponsoring a limited number of families.
As always, the year's Holiday Support will be a great source of comfort, joy, and strength as our community comes together once again. We appreciate you and your spirit of giving and generosity.
In addition to our Adopt a Family initiative we are continuing to offer services for Bread and Bag Wednesday and clothing donations. If you would like to register for Bread and Bag Wednesday please complete the form that Melissa Paulino Romero sends out every Monday by Monday EOD. We will have your bag ready for pick up by Wednesday so please pick up the bag on Wednesday.
If you would like to donate clothes or food to the Family Center please reach out to me at alowe@rscdk8.net or via phone by calling the school using my extension number 3422.
As always, please reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Best,
Albert
SEPTAR: Special Education Parent Teacher Association Event
Breaking Barriers: IEP Workshop for Parents of Children in Special Education
Dr. Gabriela Perez, from the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Services, will be presenting about how to prepare for and understand the IEP process, as well as how to be a strong advocate for your child within the special education system.
This presentation will be spoken in Spanish, simultaneous interpretation will be available in English.
Tuesday, November 21, 2023, 7-8:30pm
Register: https:/bit.ly/SEPTAR1121
All families are welcome!
Rompiendo Barreras: IEP Taller para Padres de Niños en Educación Especial
Dr. Gabriela Perez, de los Servicios de Salud Conductual del Condado de San Mateo, presentará sobre cómo prepararse y comprender el proceso del IEP, así como también cómo ser un firme defensor de su hijo dentro del sistema de educación especial.
Esta presentación será hablada en español, habrá interpretación simultánea disponible en inglés.
Martes, 21 de noviembre de 2023, 7-8:30pm
Registro: https:/bit.ly/SEPTAR1121
Todas las familias son bienvenidas!
After School Basketball
After School Basketball season will be starting soon and practices will begin in a few weeks! Clifford is looking for family volunteers to coach the 4th & 5th grade girls and boys basketball teams. If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out to Mr. Faulkner at rfaulkner@rcsdk8.net.
Parent Volunteers Needed
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.
Healthy Cities Tutoring Volunteers Needed
Lost & Found
Our lost and found collection is growing rapidly, brimming with jackets, shirts, sweaters, water bottles, and lunch boxes. We kindly request that you take a moment to visit our lost and found carts, conveniently positioned just outside the school office, to retrieve any items that may belong to your child.
To ensure these belongings find their way back to their rightful owners, please be sure to check the lost and found before Tuesday, November 21. After this date, any unclaimed items will be thoughtfully donated to those in need.
Thank you for your cooperation in reuniting students with their lost possessions.
Parent Venture Education Opportunity
How to Talk with Your Child About Gender and Sexuality
Anthony Ross, AMFT, Family Therapist and Health Educator
Wednesday, November 29, 2023, 5:30pm – 6:30pm PT, Virtual Event (Live)
Register: https://anthonyross2023rcsd.eventbrite.com
How can we build safe and accepting communities for LGBTQ+ youth?
In this event, Anthony Ross, AMFT, psychotherapist and health educator, will suggest ways to talk with your kids about gender and sexuality. Whether your child identifies as LGBTQIA+ or you would like to educate yourself about gender and sexual identity, this conversation is for you!
Parents/caregivers, students, educators, mental health professionals, and community members welcome! Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available. Free admission.
This presentation is sponsored by the Redwood City School District and Sequoia Healthcare District, in partnership with The Parent Venture.
Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, MA, Co-Founder and CEO, The Parent Venture (The Parent Education Series), at cmargot@parentventure.org.
Cómo hablar con su hijo sobre género y sexualidad
Anthony Ross, AMFT, terapeuta familiar y educador de salud
Miércoles, 29 de noviembre de 2023, de 5:30pm a 6:30pm (hora del Pacífico), evento virtual (en vivo)
Registro: https://anthonyross2023rcsd.eventbrite.com
¿Cómo podemos construir comunidades seguras y que acepten a los jóvenes LGBTQ+?
En este evento, Antonio Ross, AMFT, psicoterapeuta y educadora en salud, sugerirá formas de hablar con sus hijos sobre género y sexualidad. Ya sea que su hijo se identifique como LGBTQIA+ o le gustaría informarse sobre género e identidad sexual, ¡esta conversación es para usted!
¡Bienvenidos padres/cuidadores, estudiantes, educadores, profesionales de la salud mental y miembros de la comunidad! Habrá interpretación simultánea en español disponible. Entrada gratis.
Esta presentación está patrocinada por la Distrito escolar de la ciudad de Redwood y Distrito sanitario de Sequoia, en alianza con The Parent Venture. .
¿Preguntas? Póngase en contacto con Charlene Margot, MA, cofundadora y directora ejecutiva, The Parent Venture (Serie de educación para padres), en cmargot@parentventure.org.
Donate Supplies to Clifford's Maker Space!
Clifford School
Clifford School is a jewel of a campus located in the beautiful foothills of Redwood City. Our number one priority at Clifford School is to provide a safe learning environment in which the students, teachers, and staff foster a positive school culture and climate. Clifford is a school with a strong sense of community and pride!
Website: https://www.rcsdk8.net/clifford
Location: 225 Clifford Avenue, Redwood City, CA, USA
Phone: 650.482.2402
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliffordElementary