This week, our students, families, and teachers will actively engage in Student Goal Setting Conferences, a key component of our educational process. It's important to note that each day this week will follow a Super Minimum Day schedule, with dismissal at 11:30 a.m., allowing adequate time for these valuable conferences. If you haven't already, your child's teacher should have reached out to schedule a conference time that suits your schedule.

Student-driven goal setting is a pivotal step toward transforming aspirations and dreams into reality. It grants students agency over their own learning journey, which we consider crucial. Our new Student Goal Setting Conferences format replaces the traditional Parent-Teacher Conferences, which typically take place later in the fall.

During these conferences, the focus will primarily revolve around students sharing their thoughts and reflections on their own learning. Teachers will provide additional insights into the student's current progress and areas of strength. The discussions will encompass both the classroom work and suggestions for how families can support the student in achieving their goals at home.

The shift to Student Goal Setting Conferences represents a move toward identifying and harnessing students' strengths and assets rather than dwelling on deficits. This shift aligns with our commitment to the RCSD Learner Framework and the District's emphasis on fostering student agency and achievement.

We look forward to these meaningful conversations and the continued collaboration between teachers, students, and families as we work together to support each student's educational journey.

Monday, October 23 - Friday, October 27

• Student Goal Setting Conferences - 11:30 Dismissal All Grades

Friday, October 27

• Last Day to Submit Panorama Family Survey

Tuesday, October 31 - HALLOWEEN!!

• K-5 Halloween Parade, 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
• 6-8 Halloween Carnival, 1:05 - 2:50 p.m.

Wednesday, November 1

• No School - Staff Professional Development Day

Friday, November 3

• Dental Screenings
• Picture Retakes

Sunday, November 5

• Daylight Savings - Turn Clocks Back 1 Hour

Thursday, November 9

• No School

Friday, November 10

• No School - Veteran's Day

From October 16-27th, we are asking all families, staff, and 3rd - 8th-grade students to fill out the Fall Panorama Climate Survey. Every RCSD school participates in this survey in the Fall and Spring of each year.

3rd - 8th-grade teachers will provide time for students to take the survey during the school day. The results from this survey will be analyzed by the district and Clifford school teams and committees to guide decisions regarding programs and services to improve our school culture and climate. It is important for us to hear the voices of all members of the community in order to get the most accurate results.

We very much appreciate your taking 15 - 20 minutes to fill out this survey by April 29th. Responses are anonymous so you will not be asked to provide your name or contact information.

Please click on this link to begin the survey:

https://surveys.panoramaed.com/redwood/fall23family/surveys

Your feedback and participation help the Clifford community thrive!

Tuesday, October 31 is Halloween and Clifford students may choose to participate in the TK-5 Halloween Parade or the 6th - 8th Halloween Carnival. Please let your child’s teacher know if you do not wish for your child to participate.

Our TK-5 Halloween Parade will take place this year on the blacktop from 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Students who choose to dress up, should come to school in costume. The 6th - 8th Grade Halloween Carnival will be on the upper field from 1:05 - 2:50 p.m.

Parents are welcome to stay after drop-off to watch the Halloween parade! We ask that parents watch the parade from the designated parent viewing areas. Once the parade is over, we ask that all parents exit campus. Parents who are volunteering or visiting school for classroom parties or for the 6th -8th grade Halloween Carnival, must sign in and get a visitor/volunteer badge at the office before re-entering campus.

Halloween Costume Guidelines

All costumes for all TK-8 must adhere to our school standards for appropriate attire in addition to the following conditions:

• Students must be able to sit, walk, breathe, see, and hear.

• No masks please, we need to see student’s faces.

• Students must be able to go to the bathroom independently in their costume.

• Costumes cannot promote the use of drugs, alcohol, or weapons of any kind. No fake blood or gore.

• No pretend “prop” weapons of any kind, such as water pistols, knives, or swords.

• Any costume that will disrupt the routine of the day or class, including PE, will not be allowed.

• Costumes should not be demeaning to any ethnic group, race, religion, nationality, gender, individual, or group.

• The final decision on costumes that violate these standards will be made by the administration.

Please remember that this is still a full school day. Students are expected to fully participate in each class throughout the day, including learning in class, playing on the playground, and fully moving in PE. We are looking forward to everyone following the guidelines, coming up with creative costumes, and having fun!!

Thank you to the parents who attended October's Principal's Coffee! This month our meeting was held in our Maker Space where we had the pleasure of hosting Danielle Schall, our STEAM Teacher on a Special Assignment.

Danielle delivered an engaging presentation on our STEAM program and involved parents in an interactive activity. If you missed the presentation, you can access it here!

We look forward to our next Principal's Coffee, slated for Friday, November 15th at 8:15 a.m., and we hope you can join us for this informative session.

Hi Clifford Dolphins!

We’re happy to give some important information about the Family Center. The first ELAC meeting was held on Friday, October 13th at 8:15 am in the Family Center. 17 families as well as several staff members were present to discuss the process of reclassification and give important information to families of English Language Learners. We look forward to our next ELAC meeting on December 8th at 8:15 am in the Family Center. Check out some pictures from the event!

We also have opened up the Clifford food pantry. Students can request a fruits, vegetables, essentials, and bread. Students will fill out a google form on Monday and Tuesday of the week they’d like to request the items. Then they will be able to pick up items from the Family Center on Wednesdays.

We are also accepting food donations for the pantry. In order to organize a drop off of food please contact us at 650-482-4202 extension 3422. You can also email us at alowe@rcsdk8.net.

All students in grades TK-8 participate in the parent-volunteer-led Art in Action program. We are in need of more parent volunteers to do Art in Action lessons (especially Middle School) with our students. If you are interested, please sign up here.

Please note: Parents who volunteer for Art in Action, must be cleared through our district office .

Do you have a 4th - 8th-grade girl who is interested in lacrosse? Roy Cloud parent, Ryan Flynn, has started a program and would like to invite Clifford students to participate!

What: Intro to girls lacrosse via weekly 1hr sessions filled with skills, drills, games, and contests.

Who: Open to 4th - 8th graders

When: Mondays & Wednesdays, 4-5pm beginning 11/27 and running through 1/31/24

Where: Sequoia HS Gym (#3)

Cost: $100 plus a membership to USA Lacrosse fee ($30) - $130 total (the membership is mandatory and will be included in checkout for insurance purposes). For scholarships, please reach out to Kristy Jackson.

Sign up: here

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