Skip To Main Content

County Supt. Visits Clifford School’s NUA Lab. Building Student Conviction, Capacity, and Confidence.

County Supt. Visits Clifford School’s NUA Lab. Building Student Conviction, Capacity, and Confidence.


Believing in one’s own strengths and abilities is a catalyst to boosting academic performance for students–and a belief in all students’ capabilities is an essential part of effectively serving Redwood City School District’s (RCSD) students.

But how can a teacher model and support growth in students’ unwavering self-confidence and self-actualization in the classroom? It’s more than a “can do” attitude … it’s an “I know I can do” state of mind.

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.

Two Clifford students working on a project together

“What is happening in these classrooms is amazing,” remarked Magee describing the student excitement and engagement she witnessed while visiting several Clifford classrooms. 

“This has been really inspiring. This is education!”

Superintendent Magee joined RCSD Superintendent Dr. John Baker, Clifford School Principal Jude Noyes, and other leaders and guests during the school visit. She also had a conversation with Clifford teachers who have fully implemented the strength-based strategies.

Clifford School, a National Urban Alliance for Effective Education (NUA) lab school, has become a model for pedagogy that identifies and activates student strengths. NUA’s mission is to “substantiate an irrefutable belief in the capacity of all public school children to achieve the high intellectual performance demanded by our ever changing global community.”

The NUA strength-based strategies that Clifford teachers are using align with the District's Learner Framework goal to nurture students who are empowered learners, knowledge constructors, effective collaborators, and creative communicators.

The “Pedagogy of Confidence” involves three phases in understanding and learning: Developing, Deepening, and Demonstrating practices. 

Strategies include offering many thinking tools for student learning, allowing students agency to choose tools to reflect learning, and affirming student strengths. Students engage in reflective thinking about their learning and articulate personal learning goals resulting in an investment in their educational journey.

Teacher Overbey Leads her Class at Clifford School

Collaboration and professional development in these areas has proven to be wildly successful for staff and students as everyone works toward a common goal of long-term student success.

Ongoing work with NUA led to the creation of NUA Lab Schools such as Clifford’s. RCSD's goal is to provide these experiences and opportunities for every school site and to serve as a model for other local school districts.

Superintendent Baker Interacts with two Clifford Students



 

 

More of Our Stories

Play and Pause Buttons for Slideshow
A graphic showing a diploma

RCSD celebrates members of the Class of 2026 from Hoover and Kennedy school who earned the Biliteracy Attainment Recognition in Mandarin and Spanish. This achievement reflects students’ dedication to multilingual learning and supports RCSD’s commitment to preparing students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.

Read More about Class of 2026 Includes Close to 40 Graduates Earning Biliteracy Attainment Recognition in Mandarin or Spanish
Attendees listen to the host during the 2026 Induction Event

More than 30 RCSD teachers reached important milestones this spring through the district’s Teacher Induction Program, including 22 teachers who completed the program and earned eligibility for a clear teaching credential. Through mentorship, reflection, and professional learning, the program supports new educators in strengthening instructional practices and creating inclusive classroom environments that support student success.

Read More about More than 20 RCSD Educators Reach Important Milestone Completing 2026 Teacher Induction Program
2026 Retirees

Redwood City School District honored 26 retiring employees this spring, celebrating a combined 576 years of service to students, families, and schools. This year’s retirees include Superintendent Dr. John Baker, whose more than four decades serving RCSD students have left a lasting impact on the district and community.

Read More about A Legacy of Service: RCSD Celebrates 576 Years of Collective Impact Through 2026 Retirees
Superintendent Baker Honored for Four Decades of Service to Students and Public Education

Superintendent Dr. John Baker was honored during the 2026 San Mateo County School Boards Association Kent Awards Celebration for more than four decades of service to students, families, schools, and public education. The surprise recognition celebrated his lasting impact on RCSD and his decade of leadership as superintendent.

Read More about Superintendent Baker Honored for Four Decades of Service to Students and Public Education
A basketball team huddles with their coach

Redwood City School District’s Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) has been recognized with a Kent Award and an Exemplary Program distinction for its whole-child approach to supporting students beyond the school day. Serving more than 2,200 students daily, the program provides academic support, enrichment, mentorship, and wellness opportunities designed to help students feel connected, supported, and engaged.

Read More about RCSD After School Program Honored for Holistic, Whole-Child Approach
HVAC systems at schools

RCSD is moving forward with the next phase of classroom HVAC upgrades at Henry Ford and Roy Cloud schools. Building on earlier work already completed or underway, this phase continues the district’s effort to improve classroom comfort and air quality. Construction is expected in Summer 2027 through Measure S funding.

Read More about Planning Begins for Next Phase of Classroom HVAC Upgrades at Henry Ford and Roy Cloud Schools
RCSD Mandarin Immersion Students Participate in the Debate Competition

Redwood City School District students earned top honors at the CLTAC Mandarin Chinese Speech Contest, demonstrating strong language proficiency, confidence, and cultural understanding. With 13 students recognized across elementary and middle school levels, these results highlight the strength of RCSD’s multilingual programs and students’ ability to apply their learning in real-world settings.

Read More about Voices in Mandarin: RCSD Students Shine at State Speech Competition
Volunteers processing books and painting murals

Roosevelt Elementary School’s library has been transformed through a partnership with Access Books Bay Area, bringing more than 1,200 new books and a refreshed, student-friendly space to campus. Supported by 60 volunteers, the revitalization expands access to high-quality reading materials and creates an engaging environment that inspires students to explore, learn, and build a love of reading.

Read More about Partnerships and Volunteers: Roosevelt Elementary Library Makeover Inspires a New Chapter of Reading
Graduation Cap

RCSD has released the graduation and promotion schedule for the Class of 2026, as nearly 700 eighth-grade students prepare to complete their PreK–8 journey and transition to high school. Ceremonies will take place June 4–5 across school sites, with additional celebrations for nearly 350 fifth graders promoting to middle school.

Read More about Graduation Schedule Available for Class of 2026
Principal Alcocer

Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School Principal Patricia Alcocer has been named Principal of the Year by Acknowledge Alliance, recognizing her leadership in building inclusive, student-centered school environments. Her work reflects a strong commitment to bilingual education, equity, and fostering meaningful connections that support student success and well-being.

Read More about RCSD School Principal Recognized for Leadership in Equity, Belonging, and Bilingual Education
Ms. Paz in front of her board presentation

Princess Margaret G. Paz, 7th-grade science teacher at Kennedy Middle School, who was awarded a scholarship to attend the 2025 conference hosted by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) in Minneapolis. She represented Kennedy and RCSD on a national stage, leading multiple presentations and sharing her work with educators from across the country.

Read More about Kennedy Science Teacher Takes Student Voice and Innovation to the National Stage
Superintendent Dr. John Baker

Redwood City School District is beginning the next phase of its Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) work by reviewing and refining goals for the 2026–27 school year. Building on recent progress—including improved attendance, reduced suspensions, strong academic growth, and gains for English Learners—the district is now engaging families, staff, and students to help guide future priorities. Community input gathered through surveys and meetings will play a key role in shaping the next LCAP cycle and ensuring continued focus on equity and student success.

Read More about Superintendent's Message: March 2026: Community Input Sought on 2026-27 LCAP Goals
A graphic showing a graduate cap and a report

RCSD’s 2025 School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs) are now available, providing families with important information about each school’s programs, staffing, safety, and student demographics. The reports are required by state and federal law and are accessible online in English and Spanish, with printed copies available upon request.

Read More about 2025 School Accountability Reports Now Available
A graphic with dollar signs and a pie chart

RCSD’s Second Interim Budget Report provides a required midyear update on the district’s finances as of January 31, 2026. The report shows projected revenues of $158.1 million and expenditures of $159.8 million, resulting in a planned $1.7 million deficit covered by reserves. The district maintains a Positive Certification and reserves above state-required levels.

Read More about RCSD School Board Reviews Midyear 2025-26 Budget Update, District Maintains Positive Financial Certification
Four communication awards

Redwood City School District’s (RCSD) work helping families understand programs, access resources, and stay connected to their child’s education has earned statewide recognition. The district received four 2026 Excellence in Communications Awards from the California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA), highlighting the impact of clear, accessible communication in strengthening trust and partnership across the community.

Read More about RCSD Honored With Four 2026 Statewide Awards for Making School Information Accessible to Families
Kennedy Students Working on their Project

Kennedy Middle School and North Star Academy students had an impressive showing at the Bay Area Regional Science Olympiad this month at the College of San Mateo, highlighting Redwood City School District’s (RCSD) commitment to real-world application of student learning.

Read More about Kennedy and North Star Students Showcase STEM Excellence During Regional Competition
Superintendent Dr. John Baker

Redwood City School District’s February 2026 mid-year LCAP update highlights encouraging progress toward its 2027 goals, including improved attendance, reduced suspensions, strong student growth in reading and mathematics on local assessments, and continued gains for English Learners. The update also identifies areas for focused acceleration as the district continues strengthening supports and instructional practices to close equity gaps.

Read More about Superintendent's Message: February 2026: Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Mid-Year Report
A graphic with a document and a dollar sign

The RCSD Board of Trustees voted to place a parcel tax measure on the June 2, 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the measure would generate an estimated $12.2 million annually through a tax based on building square footage, with exemptions for eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities. Voters within the district will decide the outcome in June.

Read More about RCSD Board of Trustees Places Parcel Tax Measure on June 2026 Ballot