San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools Nancy Magee recently visited Clifford School to observe the strength-based strategies RCSD teachers are using in classrooms to close opportunity gaps. Clifford School, a National Urban Alliance for Effective Education (NUA) lab school, has become a model for approaches that identify and activate student strengths.

At Orion Alternative, community feedback identified the importance of moving the school’s front office, which used to sit in the middle of the school campus. Orion Alternative’s front office is now visible from the street and drop off area rather than tucked into the school’s center; it is the very first point of entry at 555 Avenue del Ora in Redwood City. 

Initiative, a hunger for knowledge, and next-steps thinking are just some of the driving force qualities of Staff Development Educators Cathy James and Bronia Whipp. Both teachers were recently honored at a recent Board of Trustees meeting for their outstanding commitment to the RCSD Staff Development department and for their leadership in the area of technology integration.

As the days grow shorter and colder, we know that winter is on its way. There are many special family gatherings and community events throughout November and December to which many of us look forward. However, most don’t get excited about another part of this time of year–cold and flu season! 

Research suggests a strong link between school attendance and good health. Some studies show parents reporting more than 60 percent of student absence as health related, according to Attendance Works. Missing out on instructional days due to illness is both no fun for a child and may set students behind on benchmark goals as we approach the midyear mark. 

Recent state assessment results show the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on progress with student achievement across California including in Redwood City School District (RCSD). Staying ahead of the CAASPP data recently released, RCSD has already been using local assessments to help make data-driven decisions addressing student needs through focused efforts.

Do you have a child who will be new to the Redwood City School District (RCSD) in 2023-24? Or is your child currently enrolled in the District, but wishing to explore another program or school? Mark your calendar! The priority window opens November 4, 2022 and closes Friday, January 13, 2023. 

The Garfield campus upgrade is part of several projects in Phase I of the school district’s Bond Program, which is modernizing and improving all schools across the school district.

Some Redwood City School District (RCSD) students may be trying persimmons, kiwi, and other California-grown fruits and vegetables for their first time as part of the Child Nutrition Services Harvest of the Month (CNS) initiative. Harvest of the Month focuses on introducing students to wholesome foods, highlighting what’s in season and where it grows.