Dolphin Newsletter
9.24.21
Message from the principal...
Dear Dolphin families,
I cannot believe that September is almost over and we are soon coming into October! Students have worked hard over the last couple of weeks to complete their initial iReady diagnostic testing. The data we get from this test is so valuable with helping us to frame our instructional work here at Clifford. We spend lots of time looking at how we can best support our learners with areas of need. Our teachers worked hard over the last week to look at the results and find ways to adjust their instruction so that our kids have the tools and strategies they need for academic growth.
What a joy it was to see all of our students dressed up today for picture day. These little things remind us what a joy it is to have our kids on campus and be able to celebrate fun milestones of a school year. Have an amazing weekend with your families and stay well!
All the love,
Jude
Upcoming...
9/27-10/1- iReady Testing make up
9/27-10/1- Virtual Scholastic Book Fair-Shop Online!
10/7- 4th & 5th 6-8th GSA Clubs Begin! Students/Join us in the computer lab at lunch!
10/28- 4:30-6:00 SSC Meeting | Link |
October 11th Indigenous Peoples Day: No School
International Walk to School Day 10/6! Clifford is participating! (WALK/BIKE/BUS TO SCHOOL to earn some prizes)
Dolphin Depot Student Store Opening in October
Student GSA Club starts on October 7 at Lunch in the Library for 4-8th graders at their lunch time!
The Black Student Union Club Begins September 30th at lunch. Meet in the library with Ms. Natalie!
Virtual PTO Meeting Dates 21-22
PTO Schedule for 2021-2022.
Same link for each meeting: Link to Meetings
October 21, 7pm
November 18, 7pm
December: skip
January 20, 7pm
February 17, 7pm
March 17, 7pm
April 21, 7pm
May 19, 7pm
Parents' Unlimited Guide to TikTok
With so many social networks to keep track of, it's not surprising if your kid's obsession with the TikTok app leaves you scratching your head. So what is it exactly?
Facebook, Instagram, Social Parent Guide
Social media isn't simply a way of life for kids -- it's life itself. To help them keep their online interactions safe, productive, and positive, we offer the most up-to-date research and guidance on social media basics. Learn about the latest apps and websites, and get tips on talking to your kids about sharing, posting, and avoiding digital drama.
Guardian’s Guide to TikTok
Makerspace at Clifford is in Development!
We are excited to be in the planning phase of our very own Makerspace at Clifford! The Makerspace will be located in the previous computer lab on campus. I am working closely with site team members and our district support professionals to help us build from the ground up.
What's a makerspace?
Makerspace is a constructivist and constructionist movement that is taking the world by storm! Imagine DIY meets education! Makerspace is not only a hackshop where you can go to learn how to use an arc welder for the afternoon, but an educational concept as well! A makerspace presents readily-available materials that can act as a provocation for inquiry, as well as modern technology and items to invent with.
Watch the video below for more information! Thank you to the PTO/families and our staff for supporting our efforts to build an amazing space for students to create/explore/develop/invent and more!
Meet our New Equity Coach, Natalie!
Hello Clifford community! I am so excited to be here as the new Equity Coach. I was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. My father is Jamaican and my mother is German. I have a partner, two children (20 & 17) and a darling dog named Luna. I have been an educator for over 20 years. I wrote my Master’s thesis on how to teach human rights in elementary classrooms. I was a teacher in the Burlingame School District for 15 years teaching K, 1st, 4th, 5th, English Language Development and Response to Intervention. I am passionate about anti-bias/anti-racist education and equity. I believe all students need to be seen, serviced and celebrated for the wonderful diverse humans they are.
Natalie Delahunt M.Ed
Equity Coach
JEDI Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion! Clifford School's Work in JEDI Education
Working with a small cohort of dedicated teachers and administration professionals, JEDI members seek to ensure Clifford maintains its goals around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The group ensures Clifford adheres to its goals while also educating its teachers and staff by providing workshops on a variety of topics such as anti-bias education, teaching students of color, and the importance of indigenous education. We also examine our curriculum and ensure it is anti-bias and anti-racist.
Join TeamRCSD!
Substitute Teachers: Work in our schools when you are available or when your children are in school! Being a substitute teacher means you only work when your schedule allows and you determine your schedule.. We are looking for TK-8th grade substitute teachers. A Bachelor’s Degree is needed.
Instructional Assistants (and substitutes): This position is ideal for working parents as the schedule closely mirrors the student schedule. Most positions are 6 hours a day, allowing for parents to work when their student is in school! If you aren’t available full-time, consider substituting and only work on the days you are available! High school diploma or equivalent is needed along with 1 year of working with students.
Crossing Guards: Do you only have a few hours to work? Help our students get to and from school safely by working as a crossing guard. High school diploma or equivalent is needed.
3 hours per day /5 days per week: 7 am - 8:30 am & 2 pm - 3:30 pm
Bus Driver: Do you have a Class A or B Driver’s License with a “Passenger Endorsement” and a designation to operate a “Type I” school bus? Join us today! Our bus drivers help ensure students make it to and from school promptly and safely. The part time split shift hours are 6:10 am to 4:30 pm with varying start and end times according to the route.
Application Resources:
What's Happening in 3rd Grade at Clifford!
Last week, 3rd graders began their first STEAM activity as a culminating project for an SEL lesson in struggle, and finding the magic of YET. Understanding that learning can be difficult, and using a growth mindset can be difficult for young children, especially after being away from the classroom environment for almost 2 years. Third grade has dedicated time every day to discuss and learn Growth Mindset and mindfulness, recognizing emotions with Zones of Regulation and communicating through conflicts using "I" statements these last 6 weeks. The lesson on embracing the positive side of learning struggles centered around the message that "we just can't do it.... YET!" The beginning and end of the 2 week lesson centered on a book called The Magical Yet. Third Graders then had to use their creativity, critical thinking, and own powers of YET to create their own Magical Yets, which must be able to be suspended on their own. With many trials and errors and "great mistakes," using their "bubble gum brains" and a growth mindset, every student was successful! The results were every student creating their own magical creature, which now hangs suspended in the classrooms, watching over them, to help them overcome a fixed mindset when they struggle. This was a wonderful combination of a STEAM project and SEL message which will stick with our students for years to come.
Enjoy some photos of 3rd grade students making their own Majical Yets! STEAM Projects in Action!
Pushing our students to be their best selves! A schoolwide focus on cultivating traits like self-discipline, courage, and perseverance helps students meet high expectations.
Covid Testing at Clifford
We are pleased to announce that we student and staff Covid testing on site! Our testers will be on site on Mondays & Wednesdays. Students will be tested during the school day. If you would like for your child to be tested weekly (1x per week) please register and consent to the testing by going to this link to register your child(ren). You do not need to be present for testing.
Here is the link to register:
- Primary Health Registration link: https://my.primary.health/l/redwoodcity This registration link is exclusive for Students.
Clifford PTO Gets Donations: Use Amazon Smile to Shop!
Did you know that Amazon has a great program where it gives 0.5 percent (on most purchases) back to Clifford School?
You shop on Amazon, as normal, but you need to start shopping via this link. The Amazon Smile program works a bit like eScrip: If you make your Amazon purchases through the Amazon Smile portal, Amazon will give back this small percentage of what you spent to Clifford School PTO.
What you need to do: The first time you land on the Amazon Smile page, you’ll be asked to enter the organization where you want the portion of your $$ shopping amount to be donated: Clifford PTO is registered as “Clifford School Parents Club” in Redwood City. So make sure you enter Clifford School Parents Club. When it appears in the search results, click Select.
And start shopping!
Continue to use the Amazon Smile landing page from here on out; you won’t have to identify Clifford School Parents Club each time.
Now is a great time to get registered —For more info, check out Amazon’s Frequently Asked Questions page regarding Amazon Smile.
Thanks for supporting Clifford School
Clifford School
Jude Noyes- Principal
Tiffany Parrish- Assistant Principal
We ARE the most incredible school in the Inner-Planetary Galactic Solar System...
Email: jnoyes@rcsdk8.net
Website: https://www.rcsdk8.net/clifford
Location: 225 Clifford Avenue, Redwood City, CA, USA
Phone: 650-482-2402
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliffordElementary