Skip To Main Content

Empowered Learners: Beyond the Classroom Walls Thanks to Teacher Encouragement and Support

Empowered Learners: Beyond the Classroom Walls Thanks to Teacher Encouragement and Support


Teachers help foster a growth mindset in students, inspiring them to try new things and take on new challenges. The motivation to take skills above and beyond doesn’t stop at the classroom door or at the school gates.

Redwood City School District (RCSD) students, with support of their families and teachers, are demonstrating a love of learning and a passion for excellence in numerous contests and activities outside of the regular school day.

Mandarin Immersion Program:
Orion Alternative and Kennedy Mandarin Immersion Program students recently took part in the 48th CLTAC Mandarin Speech Contest, reflecting their hardwork and dedication. The event, hosted by Chinese Language Teacher Association of California (CLTAC), brings together students from across the state of California who are ready to display their speech skills.

Students from Orion Alternative School and Kennedy Middle School prepared and practiced speeches to be presented in Mandarin, competing with more than 300 peers from private, charter, and public schools across the Bay Area.

Kennedy Mandarin Immersion Students and their Teacher

Kennedy Middle School Mandarin Immersion Program students and Mandarin Immersion Teacher Liya Cao


North Star Academy:
North Star Academy students also engaged in a unique opportunity, the King’s International Development Association’s Youth Essay Contest. Students in grades 3 through 8 answered an essay prompt about how they would make the world a better place if they had the power to make changes.

The young writers crafted answers including what impacts they would make on the community, what challenges might be faced, and what changes could be made.

Participation in the essay contest, hosted by Stanford University student organization King’s International Development Association, highlights RCSD student dedication to rising to new challenges and a desire to make the world a better place.

North Star Academy 6th grader Ayden and English Language Arts Teacher Gwen Minor

North Star Academy 6th grader Ayden and English Language Arts Teacher Gwen Minor

RCSD students, staff, and teachers go over and above in the classroom and in the community, showcasing what it means to be an Empowered Learner by understanding different ways to gain knowledge and skills, and taking advantage of choices offered in order to actively manage their own learning.

King's International Development Association's Youth Essay Contest participants:

  • Sibel Yarnall, Grade 4

  • Ayden Yang, Grade 6

48th CLTAC Mandarin Speech Contest results:

Honorable Mention:

  • Ryan Seeberger, Grade 6

  • Vincent Hanrigou, Grade 4

  • Olivia Ruhl, Grade 4
     

3rd Place:

  • Tessa Lin, Grade 4

  • Sierra Fung, Grade 4

  • Adrian Chan, Grade 6
     

2nd Place:

  • Maple Dupree, Grade 4

  • Nia Seeberger, Grade 4
     

1st Place:

  • Ava Lam, Grade 3

More of Our Stories

Play and Pause Buttons for Slideshow
TLC Teacher Charlene Dela Pena interacts with one of her students

The school recently received an award of appreciation for their support of students with disabilities from the San Mateo County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) and the Community Advisory Committee (CAC).

Read More about Taft Community School’s Therapeutic Learning Center Earns Acclaim for Student Support and Excellence in Special Education
HVAC System

The Board of Trustees approved multiple initiatives aimed at improving climate control in local schools. These measures are part of ongoing efforts to optimize learning conditions for students across the district, a priority identified early last fall.

Read More about As Summer 2025 Approaches, District Advances Climate Control Projects Across Schools by Quickly Approving Final Steps for Implementation
Where Every Voice Belongs: Orion Co-Op’s Multicultural Studies Earns Countywide Recognition

The five-month program seeks to foster cultural awareness, promote diversity and highlight inclusivity through the collaboration of parents, students, and teachers, culminating in a weeklong multicultural experience. 

Read More about Where Every Voice Belongs: Orion Co-Op’s Multicultural Studies Earns Countywide Recognition
Blossoming Beds and Blooming Brains: A Community Partner Helps Adelante Selby’s Garden Plant a Glow Up

The robust garden space and outdoor classroom is a tranquil area where students can connect curriculum standards to the world around them. That space is getting an update thanks to a donation of lumber and supplies from Big Creek Lumber, and to the dedicated parent volunteers and teacher, Ms. Forker, who applied for the gardening grant.

Read More about Blossoming Beds and Blooming Brains: A Community Partner Helps Adelante Selby’s Garden Plant a Glow Up
Students playing with clay

In the 2025-26 school year, RCSD is expanding its TK program, increasing from 14 to 17 classes. This expansion, supported by a significant investment of approximately $700,000, reflects the district’s commitment to early childhood education and meeting the growing demand from families. As of April 2025, the district has already received an overwhelming response, with approximately 400 applications demonstrating the community’s strong interest and support for this California educational initiative.

Read More about RCSD’s Growing TK Program Helps 4-Year-Olds Thrive — Here’s How Parents Can Support the Adventure
2025 California Distinguished School Seal

Just 336 schools were selected this year by analyzing data reported through the 2024 California School Dashboard. The prestigious school recognition program honors two categories of exceptional schools: those Closing the Achievement Gap and those demonstrating Exceptional Student Performance. 

Read More about Gryphons Soar as a 2025 California Distinguished School
Roy Cloud 8th grade Teacher Xa Mai Checks with a Student

Following the success of the elementary school Illustrative Mathematics program, Imagine IM K-5, committee members had selected Imagine IM 6-8 for a 2024-25 pilot period. The Board of Trustees recently approved official adoption of the curriculum for the upcoming school year.

Read More about Building for Success: Middle School Math Adoption Fosters Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking
HVAC System

The first phase of installations will begin this summer at Adelante Selby, Hoover, Roosevelt, and Taft, as these schools require fewer structural and electrical modifications. The remaining campuses will receive upgrades in subsequent phases until every school is equipped with a modern HVAC system.

Read More about RCSD Board Approves Purchase of HVAC Equipment for First Phase Implementation