New School Year, New Staff!
We have quite a few new staff members roaming our Clifford halls this year! Please join me in welcoming:
Jeanne Wolfe, Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
Allison Rhoads, Kindergarten Teacher
Grecia Ruiz, 2nd/3rd Grade Teacher
Caroline Cronin, 3rd-5th Specialized Learning Center Teacher
Eric Perkins, 7th/8th Social Studies Teacher
Catherine Carreon, 6th - 8th Accelerated Math Teacher
Homer Chavez, 6th-8th Specialized Learning Center Teacher
Doug Highton, TK-8 Guest Teacher
Sophia Isaac, 4th-6th Specialized Learning Specialist
Edmond Hare, Newcomer Teacher
Cynthia Guillen, Newcomer Aide
Susan Sanchez, Literacy Specialist
Ann Tung, Middle School Music Teacher
Jessica Medrano, School Psychologist
Jorge Mendoza, School Psychologist
Angela Johnson, Speech Therapist
Danielle Schall, STEAM Teacher on Special Assignment
Stephanie Posada, Office Manager
Melissa Paulino, Family Center Administrative Assistant
Diana Ayllon, School Nurse
Ge He, Kate Ha, Rui Ma, Chao Lui, & Yingzi Peng - Instructional Aides
Luis, Jeremy, & Jake - PE Plus Coaches
Please note that starting September, the Dolphin Digest will be sent on a bi-monthly basis.
Principal's Coffee
This month's Principal's Coffee will be a meet and greet with Clifford's new administration team. This will be an opportunity for the Clifford community to learn more about Ms. Casey Nosky, Vice Principal, Mr. Albert Lowe, Community School Coordinator, and myself and our roles here at Clifford School.
Coffee and breakfast treats will be served. We look forward to seeing you there!
Thursday, September 7th, Super Minimum Day, 11:30 a.m. Dismissal
New Student-Centered Goal Setting Conferences
Your child's teacher may have already requested that you sign up for our October Student Goal Setting Conferences that will take place during the week of October 23 - 27th. Here is more information provided by the district about the new Goal Setting Conferences:
As Redwood City School District (RCSD) parents look over the TK-8 Grade Instructional Calendar for the 2023-24 school year, they will notice a key change-- what we've long referred to as Student-Teacher Conferences are no longer listed for the third week of November. Instead, what will now be known as the Student Goal Setting Conferences will take place several weeks earlier, in October.
RCSD has been moving towards a focus on centering instruction and the classroom experience on students, their learning, and their engagement. During recent school years, RCSD families have been learning about the RCSD Learner Framework, which was developed in partnership with the RCSD community. This framework, rooted in the District’s vision and mission, focuses on ensuring that all students are prepared to be empowered learners, knowledge constructors, effective collaborators, and creative communicators.
As RCSD’s teachers create classroom conditions that empower learning, they weave the Learner Framework into the fabric of daily lessons to equip students with tools and traits that foster lifelong success. The Student Goal Setting Conference is the next area of focus in the development of empowered learners in our district.
Student goal-setting is an essential component of the Empowered Learner target of the RCSD Learner Framework and of UDL (Universal Design for Learning, or design to create multiple access points for everyone), which is supported by many research studies.
“When students take ownership of their learning, they become empowered to drive their growth,” explains Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Anna Herrera.
“Research shows that students are engaged and motivated, and therefore empowered students improve their learning. They are better equipped as they transition to the next level as they are ready for their next step.”
This year’s Student Goal Setting Conferences are scheduled for the week of October 23-27, as this new earlier date will show parents the progress made by their students before the first trimester wraps up in November.
Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
ARRIVAL
Supervision begins at 8:00 AM. Children are not to arrive at school BEFORE 8:00 AM.
Parents may park in the neighborhood and walk their child to their classroom to wait for their teacher. We highly encourage walking and biking if you are able to.
Beginning at 8:00 AM students may walk to their classroom and line up in the area designated by their teacher.
Students do not play on the structures, blacktop, fields, or hallways before school.
When the warning bell rings at 8:12 a.m., students should make their way to the classroom to line up.
By 8:15 AM when the bell rings, teachers greet students and lead them into the classroom.
If a child arrives after 8:15 AM, the student must first go to the office to get a tardy slip before going to class.
Campus gates will be locked at 8:20 a.m. Students arriving after this time, must check in at the office.
DISMISSAL
Students need to leave campus promptly after each dismissal.
Regular Dismissal: TK: 1:30 PM, Kinder: 2:15 PM; 1st - 3rd: 2:35 PM; 4th-5th: 2:45 PM; 6th - 8th: 2:50 PM
Minimum Day Dismissal: TK: 12:45 PM; Kinder: 1:30 PM; 1st - 3rd: 1:35 PM, 4th - 5th: 1:40 PM; 6th - 8th: 1:50 PM
Super Minimum Day Dismissal: All students are dismissed at 11:30.
TK & Kindergarten students must wait with their teacher until a parent/child care provider, or other designated adult picks them up.
Children who are being picked up must wait in the drop off/pick up areas.
For 1st - 3rd grade students, teachers will send home car signs on the first day of school.
Children who walk are to go directly home.
TK-5 students are not to play on the black top after dismissal, due to classes still being in session.
Parents/Families may not enter campus until the last dismissal of the day.
TK-5 students are not to be left unsupervised on campus, waiting for older siblings.
Parents of student(s) who are repeatedly not picked up promptly, will be contacted by the school administration.
If an emergency prevents you from picking up your child on time, make alternate arrangements and notify the school. Students who are picked up late need to be signed out in the office.
For 1st - 3rd grade students, if you will be picking your child up by car and using our car line pick up, please post the name sign that was sent home with your child on the first day of school in your front car window.
For more STUDENT DROP OFF/PICK UP AND PARKING LOT GUIDELINES, please click here.
Upcoming Important Dates
Friday, September 1
- PTO Coffee - Front of School - 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Monday, September 4
- No School - Labor Day Holiday
Thursday, September 7
- District Appointed Super Minimum Day - 11:30 Dismissal For All Grades
Friday, September 8
- Principal's Coffee, 8:15 - 9:00 a.m., Clifford Library
Thursday, September 14
- PTO Meeting - 7:00 p.m., Clifford Library
Tuesday, September 19
- School Site Council Meeting, 6:00 p.m., Clifford Library
Thursday, September 21
- Practice Fire Drill
Friday, September 22
Picture Day
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