Regular attendance is not just about being physically present; it’s about ensuring our students are fully engaged in their learning, connecting with their peers, and making the most of the educational opportunities available to them. This commitment to student engagement is a reflection of our district’s values, which emphasize providing joyful, rigorous, and enriching instruction for all.

As we embark on our 2024-25 school year journey, I am filled with immense pride and optimism for what lies ahead. Welcome back to our dedicated teachers, staff, families, and community partners! Together, we will continue our mission of creating a safe and supportive, inspirational and rigorous, joyful and inclusive environment for all learners across Redwood City School District (RCSD).

We are proud to graduate 733 students who are moving on to high school, college, and beyond. With the support of their families, our dedicated teachers, staff, and administrators have worked tirelessly to prepare these students, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in the next phases of their lives. We are confident that these graduates will continue to achieve great accomplishments, carrying forward the values and education they have received at RCSD.

The annual California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) is an important part of understanding your child’s progress and growth throughout the school year. Alongside grades, class activities, and teacher feedback, these assessments provide a holistic view of your child’s educational journey during the 2023-24 school year. They’re not just about testing; they’re about recognizing achievements and pinpointing areas where additional support might be beneficial.

At the heart of this initiative lies the commitment to student-centered learning, as embodied by the RCSD Learner Framework. Rooted in our school district’s vision and mission, this framework fosters a passion for learning through agency and student-centered strategies. By cultivating Empowered Learners, Knowledge Constructors, Effective Collaborators, and Creative Communicators, we are empowering the next generation of difference-makers and problem solvers.

In RCSD, one of our core values is to honor and uplift student voice. We firmly believe that every student has a unique perspective and valuable insights that can greatly inform our decision-making processes. As such, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for students to share their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations regarding their educational experiences.

As we reflect on the accomplishments and growth achieved during the first half of the school year, I am pleased to reaffirm our shared commitment to the key initiatives that define this academic year.

The Illustrative Math (IM) curriculum stands out for its rigorous, hands-on activities and a digital component that enhances the learning experience. The curriculum encourages students to explain their thinking, building foundational skills and fostering a deep understanding of the “what” and “why” behind mathematical problem-solving. Nine teachers piloted a unit from each of the three curriculums, engaging in frequent discussions to assess their experiences and student outcomes. The School Board and I are very appreciative of the commitment of our teachers who participated in this process, ensuring representation from each grade level.