Mustang Gazette
OCTOBER 2023
Principal's Message
Dear Henry Ford Families,
We work hard to create a school environment where students treat one another with kindness and feel welcome both in their classrooms and on the yard. One way we do this is by focusing on a different character trait each month. This month, our focus is Responsibility. Students "caught" being responsible, specifically in the cafeteria, will be given a Mustang Ticket. On Fridays, classroom teachers randomly select two tickets and the winners get to pick from a prize box. The following Monday, I select one ticket from each grade level and present them during morning announcements. In addition to the mustang tickets, each teachers nominates a student that exhibits the given months character trait and they are celebrated at our Student of the Month Assembly.
Students are most successful when there is a strong working relationship between the school, the parents and the child. As such, the RCSD is moving from traditional conferences to goal setting conferences. Goal-Setting Conferences are structured meetings that bring together parents, teachers, and students to collaboratively set academic and personal goals for the upcoming school year. Goals can range from getting students to arrive to school on time regularly to memorizing their multiplication tables. You, your child and their teacher will work together to create goals that best meet the academic and social emotional needs of your child.
Why Are Goal-Setting Conferences Important?
Empowerment: Goal-Setting Conferences empower students to take ownership of their learning. When children have a say in their educational goals, they become more motivated and engaged in their studies.
Parent-Teacher Collaboration: These conferences facilitate open communication between parents and teachers, allowing us to work together to support your child.
Clear Objectives: By setting specific goals, we can measure progress more effectively and modify instruction to address individual needs.
Long-Term Success: Establishing a habit of setting and achieving goals can lead to increased self-confidence and success.
How Do Goal-Setting Conferences Work?
Scheduling: Just like traditional conferences, parents will be invited to sign up for a day/time that works for them. Translation is available for those who need it.
Preparation: Before the conference, encourage your child to reflect on their learning. Teachers will also prepare by reviewing your child's academic progress.will set specific, achievable goals that reflect your child's unique needs and ambitions.
Conference Day: During the conference, you, your child, and the teacher will u will set specific, achievable goal(s).
We look forward to this new partnership. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Thursday, 10/5
Super Minimum Day for Professional Development
Monday, 10/9
No School in Honor of Indigenous Peoples Day
Monday 10/23 - Friday 10/27
Super Minimum Days for Parent, Teacher and Student Goal Setting Conferences
Important Information
10/5 SUPER MINIMUM DAY for District Wide Professional Development.
10/23 -10/27 SUPER MINIMUM DAYS for Goal Setting Conferences.
• 11:15 Dismissal: TK
• 11:45 Dismissal: 1st - 5th Grade
11/1 NO SCHOOL for District Wide Professional Development.
LOST & FOUND
There are numerous jackets, lunch boxes and water bottles in our lost and found. Please remind your student to look for their items. Everything left on the rack will be donated to Goodwill after the Fall Fiesta .
BIRTHDAYS
Our district works hard to create balanced lunches that include whole grains, protein, fruits and vegetables. As such, please do not bring sugary treats to school to celebrate your child's birthday. You are welcome to send non-edible items such as pencils, erasers or fidget toys. Student birthdays are announced during our morning announcements.
DISMISSAL:
Pick up has been going much smoother this year. Thank you to the upper grade parents who have been arriving after 2:45!
COVID-19 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
Parents are to complete a self-reporting form when a student tests positive for COVID-19 (link below). Our office staff is happy to assist you in filling out the form if help is needed. Once you complete the reporting form, you will receive an automatic response with the isolation guidelines. We do ask that you continue calling the school office to report your child's absences.
Self-Reporting Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjT9TpUXTf0y3VMe5wQVsniMkUB4MWDkd2NlAQJ-BqWYKhPQ/viewform
COVID-19 Notifications:
In lieu of individual exposure notifications letters from each school site, RCSD will send a general notification to the entire school community during times of elevated community transmission. This communication is an attempt to alert our community of the increased potential of being exposed to COVID-19, to monitor for symptoms, test and quarantine when positive.
For any further questions email: StudentCOVIDResponse@rcsdk8.net
RESOURCES
Henry Ford Parent & Student Handbook:
English: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jwgJaeQMRcZqZ_tro_AL-IHl4R5gNQJH/view
Español: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mtPQ6CHoJrHwa9rIV3TUmkHsCh2lPOAJ/view
School Breakfast/Lunch Menu
https://www.myschoolmenus.com/organizations/1184
Volunteer Requirements:
https://www.rcsdk8.net/our-programs-and-services/human-resources/volunteer
After School Programs:
REACH: mstewart@redwoodcity.org
Catalyst Kids: BHuss@catalystkids.org
Henry Ford School
Henry Ford is a neighborhood school that celebrates the diversity of its kindergarten through fifth grade students. Our commitment is to meet the needs of all students by providing the academic, social, and emotional successes that are essential to the development of a child's potential.
Email: jknopf@rcsdk8.net
Website: https://www.rcsdk8.net/henryford
Location: 2498 Massachusetts Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94061, USA
Phone: 650.482.2404
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HenryFordSchool