Dear Parents,

As we wrap up the school year, I would like to express how grateful I am to be a part of such an amazing community of students, parents and staff.

It has been a busy year! We continued to implement many of the successful Henry Ford traditions such as our Fall Fiesta, Pasta Dinner, Project Cornerstone, Music for Minors, Art in Action, Field Trips, MakerSpace and Assemblies (to name a few!). We also added some new traditions such as the Winter Concert, Valentine's Ball, Variety Show, Morning Meditation, Math Fair, Fun Fridays, Students of the Month, and multiple After School Enrichment classes. None of these programs would be in place without the support of our PTA and all the teachers and parents who donated their time and resources. The passion and strength of our community makes Henry Ford a truly special place for all of our students.

In addition to all the programs that are up and running, there are even more exciting initiatives coming our way! We are going to have a full time Tk - 5th Garden Teacher and a Tk - 5th grade STEAM (Science, Technology, Enrichment, Art, Math) Teacher. Both programs will align with grade level standards and give students opportunities to work on projects and deepen their understanding of the curriculum. We are also going to have a full time Assistant Principal, rather than half time. One of our AP's many responsibilities will include addressing our chronic attendance rates. This year, 143 students missed a month or more of school. I know we can do better, and we are going to work extra hard to support all of our families so that every student receives a full year of instruction.

I have one request for all of you... "Avoid the Summer Slide!" Please encourage your student to read on a regular basis over the summer. Research has shown again and again that students who read regularly experience more success in school. Students will have access to iReady Reading and iReady Math over the summer and are also encouraged to visit the library. Attached are some additional fun ideas for "Learning on the Go".

Good luck to our students and families that are moving on to middle school. You will always be a part of the Henry Ford community. We hope you come visit us. I will see the rest of you on Wednesday, August 16 ,2023.

CONGRATULATIONS to our students with Perfect Attendance for the 2023-24 School Year. The following students have been in school EVERY SINGLE DAY!

• Kimberly Pelaez Cordova, 2nd grade
• Riku Saito, 4th grade
• Juvel Velbis, 5th grade

COVID-19 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

Reporting Form for Students with COVID /Forma para reporter que su hijo/a tiene COVID:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjT9TpUXTf0y3VMe5wQVsniMkUB4MWDkd2NlAQJ-BqWYKhPQ/viewform

Redwood City School District is following recommendations from the San Mateo County Office of Education’s COVID-19 Safe Schools Framework. You can find our District’s 2022-23 protocols at https://www.rcsdk8.net/our-stories-and-initiatives/2022-23-covid-protocols-in-rcsd-schools

NUTRITION

Our district is working hard to create balanced lunches that include whole grains, protein, fruits and vegetables. As such, we ask that you avoid sending sugary treats to school to celebrate your child's birthday and consider healthy options or non-editable items such as pencils, erasers or fidget toys.

SAFETY

The city is in the process of putting in a safer pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Massachusetts and Kentucky. If they get enough positive feedback, they will put in something more permanent (like flashing lights). Please take a moment to complete the survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HGB3S6V

RESOURCES

Henry Ford Parent & Student Handbook:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BrtCumS110jSy8bohAcxQgNzxDEZDUB6/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103157373239344590510&rtpof=true&sd=true

School Breakfast/Lunch Menu

https://www.myschoolmenus.com/instance/1175/district/1184/school/9278/menu/32077

Volunteer Requirements:

https://www.rcsdk8.net/careers/volunteer

After School Programs:

REACH: mstewart@redwoodcity.org

Catalyst Kids: BHuss@catalystkids.org