|
Heart, Hope and Optimism Prevail in 2012-2013
Dear Redwood City Community,
When the Redwood City School District first began educating students, horses and buggies clogged the streets of the booming new county seat. In those days learning was focused on rote methods. As Redwood City grew and changed during the last century, so did its students and its schools.
 | | Redwood City Grammar School, 1910. Site of current Fox Theater. |
Once again, we are living in a time of change. Our students live in the heart of Silicon Valley, and to thrive in this region they must receive a 21st century education based on critical thinking, problem-solving, using technology and working together. In our classes students explore, collaborate, and discuss complex ideas in depth. Teachers nurture creativity and critical thinking, and use technology to reinforce key concepts. Learning is interactive, and teachers ask probing questions as students discuss and analyze information together. This style of learning is at the heart of the new Common Core Standards, which California is adopting along with 46 states and the District of Columbia. RCSD is embracing this change, and is well positioned to be a local leader in teaching the new standards.
 Thanks to the creativity in our classrooms and the dedication of our staff, we have celebrated many accomplishments in the last year, which you can read about below.
Our 16 schools are strong and growing stronger. In the words of one of our stellar teachers, "There has never been a better time to enter school!"
Sincerely,
 
Jan Christensen Shelly Masur
Superintendent President, Board of Education
|
|
Test Scores Soar in the Redwood City School District;
| | District Makes Largest Gain In API Scores Since 2003 |  When Kennedy 8th grader Bertan B. was in 6th grade he was not a failing student, but he was not achieving at his academic potential either. In 7th grade, Bertan studied harder, sought the help of his teachers, and spent more time reviewing material in an after-school class he attended.
Last summer Bertan found out that all his hard work paid off when his STAR test results showed he is now "advanced," or above grade level, in English language arts, and "proficient," or at grade level, in math.
Sergio J., a 7th grader at Roosevelt, realized part way  through the school year that taking his time on a test made an enormous difference in how well he did.
His mother challenged him to do better in school so that he could have more options in life, and now he knew how to do better. Sergio, an aspiring writer, began feeling more confident, and he jumped two levels in English language arts on his 6th grade STAR test compared to 5th grade.
| |
Bertan and Sergio were two of thousands of students in the Redwood City School District who took big leaps forward in 2012. Across the district, the percent of students at proficient or advanced in English language arts increased in every grade; in some grade levels the percent of students scoring proficient or advanced increased by as much as 9 percentage points over previous years. In mathematics, the percent of students at proficient or advanced increased or stayed the same in most grades.
The Academic Performance Index (API) released by the California Department of Education in October also showed RCSD students are improving by leaps and bounds. (see table below)
Superintendent Jan Christensen explained that the district adopted an achievement plan in 2007 built on new instructional strategies, professional development for our staff and strong community partnerships. "Teachers have worked very, very hard with dwindling resources, and their strong commitment to students is paying off!" said Christensen. "Our strong partnerships and support from the Redwood City community are also making a big difference to our students."
|
|
API Scores Rise Dramatically in Ten Years
| |
All schools in the Redwood City School District have made dramatic gains in the last 10 years, as demonstrated in the table below:
|
School
|
2012 API Score
|
10 Year Gain
| |
Adelante
|
838
|
+204
| |
Clifford
|
814
|
+ 68
| |
Cloud
|
877
|
+ 52
| |
Fair Oaks
|
745
|
+326
| |
Ford
|
833
|
+126
| |
Garfield
|
694
|
+220
| |
Gill
|
727
|
+ 46
| |
Hawes
|
734
|
+158
| |
Hoover
|
746
|
+240
| |
Kennedy
|
753
|
+107
| |
MIT
|
738
|
+183
| |
North Star
|
990
|
+ 56
| |
Orion
|
871
|
+121
| |
Roosevelt
|
787
|
+164
| |
Selby Lane
|
712
|
+131
| |
Taft
|
788
|
+271
|
Why are test scores rising in the RCSD? The Redwood City School District has provided significant levels of professional development to staff in the last 7 years. Principals and teachers have received training in a variety of areas, including strategic use of student data to improve instruction, collaboration through professional learning communities, and using technology in the classroom. RCSD uses student assessments, parent and student surveys and research data from Stanford University to measure student learning, identify issues affecting learning, and discover community priorities for education. The district relies on this wide range of data to tailor instruction to individual students, and meet the needs of the community. Many schools offer a full range of support services such as parent training, after-school and enrichment programs, counseling and other support services that make it easier for students to do well in school. In addition, Redwood City students are well-supported by the local community, with the City of Redwood City, San Mateo County, the Redwood City Education Foundation, the Sequoia Healthcare District, faith organizations, other foundations and individual donors contributing generously to the district and schools.  |
| Sequoia Healthcare District, RCEF and Other Key Partners Contribute to Gains | 
Redwood City School District is known among educators as a district that is rich in community partnerships. Partners that provide a strong foundation of additional support include the City of Redwood City, San Mateo County, the Sequoia Healthcare District, the Redwood City Education Foundation, the Sequoia Health & Wellness Center, the John W. Gardner Center at Stanford University, the Sobrato Foundation, and other foundations and individual donors who contribute generously to the district and schools.
The Redwood City Education Foundation raised nearly $500,000 in 2011-12 to support music, 5th grade Outdoor Education and SMART grants to enhance learning. The Sequoia Healthcare District annually provides about $900,000 in funding that pays for physical education and wellness programs, and several community and faith-based organizations are providing classroom volunteers and facilities beautification. In June 2012, voters approved [Measure W], which is providing about $1.5 million per year for five years to enhance reading, writing, math and science, to attract and retain quality teachers, and to support school libraries.
"We have invested in our staff and students by strategically using limited funds from the state and federal government, grants, and our local partners. And now with the infusion of community resources from the passage of Measure W going directly to our schools, we will be able to maintain the momentum we have built," said Superintendent Jan Christensen. |
|
21st Century Communication Keeps Parents and Community Informed
|
Not so long ago, parents got all information from schools on papers sent home in backpacks, and occasionally letters sent by mail. Today our schools are turning to communication channels favored by today's parents: email, text messages, and social media. RCSD schools began sending automated telephone calls in 2008, and this February, we added text messages to the mix - an upgrade that became available at no additional cost to the district. We also offer a free subscription-based email list, an active Facebook page (www.facebook.com/RedwoodCitySchoolDistrict), a Twitter account (@RWCSchools) and a comprehensive website (www.rcsdk8.net). Beyond emergency communication, principals use various communication tools to keep parents engaged and involved at their child's school. "I love using our automated phone system for reminding parents about all the events we have going on, from movie night to parent-teacher conferences," said John Gill Principal Josh Griffith. "Text messaging will be a great next step. Almost everyone has a cell phone these days, and we will be able to send quick reminders that make a big difference in participation." One of the biggest challenges in using email and text messages for parent communication is gathering and maintaining accurate phone numbers and email addresses. In the past, contact information was hand-entered by school staff, and it was easy to misread a number or email address hand-written on an emergency card. In the spring of 2013, we began using electronic registration, which is expected to increase accuracy; parents themselves will enter their contact information and also have the chance to check and update information on a regular basis. Not only parents, but also community members can stay informed of news about local schools. Our district website offers parents, prospective parents and community members a wide range of information, including: - Latest News and Updates
- Links to School Websites
- School Board Meeting Agendas
- District Calendar
- STAR Test Results
- School of Choice/Enrollment Information (including forms)
- Independent Study Contracts
- School Boundary Information
The website is also the place where community members can subscribe to the district's email list. Below is a comprehensive list of information sources that can help you learn about what is happening at local schools. |
Redwood City School District
How to Stay Informed
| |
The Redwood City School District strives to keep parents, staff and the community informed about important news and information. Below are some important sources of information that will help you to stay informed.
| |
District
Website
|
How to Access
Go to: www.rcsdk8.net
Information Provided
- Latest News and Updates
- Links to School Websites
- School Board Meeting Agendas
- District and School Events Calendar
- STAR test results
- School of Choice/Enrollment Information (including forms)
- Independent study contracts
- School boundary information
| |
District Email List
|
How to Access
Subscribe by clicking on "Join Our Email List" at the top right-hand corner of this report, or at:
www.rcsdk8.net
Information Provided
- Receive regular updates on district news, meetings, budget updates
| |
Facebook
|
How to Access
Go to:
www.facebook.com/RedwoodCitySchoolDistrict
www.facebook.com/RedwoodCitySchoolDistrictSP
(espa�ol)
Information Provided
- Links to news articles about our schools
- District news and updates
| |
Twitter
|
How to Access
Go to:
www.twitter.com/RWCSchools
www.twitter.com/RWCSchoolsSP (espa�ol)
Information Provided
- District news and updates
| |
School Board Meetings
|
How to Access
Usually held the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each
month at:
750 Bradford Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
650-423-2200
info@rcsdk8.net
Check the website, www.rcsdk8.net/schoolboard, to review board agendas and meeting times.
Information Provided
- Updates on a wide variety of issues, including academic performance, district programs, etc.
- Policy decisions
- Budget and financial information
|
|
| School Safety Since Sandy Hook |
Since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut last December, we have worked closely with local law enforcement agencies to review and update our safety procedures. The Redwood City Police Department has assessed every school in our district, and recently trained all school principals and district administrators on enhanced emergency procedures. The police are in the process of training school staff at each RCSD school. We also recently upgraded our communications system and can now send text messages in the case of an emergency. We recently began using an online registration system called InfoSnap that will further improve our ability to communicate via telephone, email and text messaging. |
| Climate Survey Shows High Level of Satisfaction with Redwood City Schools |
Parents, students and staff strongly agreed or agreed with a series of statements describing the atmosphere at our 16 schools. For example, parents at all schools strongly agreed with the following statements:� I feel welcome at my child's schools� I am informed about my child's progress� I know what my child's teacher expects of my child� Teachers show respect for the students� I respect the school's teacher/principal� Overall the school performs well academically
Students at all schools strongly agreed with the following statements:� My teacher treats me with respect� My teacher believes I can learn� My teacher/principal care about me� My teacher is a good teacher� I can do better at school� Very good work is expected at my school� My family believes I can do well in school� My family wants me to do well in school
Staff at all schools strongly agreed with the following statements:� I feel that I belong at the school� I believe every student can learn� I believe quality work is expected of me� I believe it is important to communicate with parents often about their child's progress� I believe that student achievement can increase through effective instruction across the curriculum� I believe that student achievement can increase through close personal relationships between students and teachers
The District conducted the survey to gather information on how students, parents and staff experience the school environment because of its deeply held belief that perceptions, morale, and beliefs are connected to learning. Data will tell us where improvements are needed so that we can make changes and improve our practices.
|
|
Governor Signs 2013-14 Budget; RCSD's Budget Will Grow Slowly Over 7 Years
| |
After years of budget cuts, for the first time in six years, the Board did not have to make budget cuts when it passed the Preliminary 2013-14 budget in June 2013. And, because voters passed Proposition 30 last November, we were able to avoid cutting the school year by three weeks this year. While Proposition 30 prevented another round of massive budget cuts, it is not bringing large amounts of new money into our schools next year.
The long-term budget outlook for the Redwood City School District is still somewhat uncertain, as the District is waiting to fully discover the impact of the state's new funding formula just signed into law by Governor Brown. Called the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), the new formula gives more money to districts serving high numbers of students who are learning English or who qualify for free and reduced lunch. The new formula, the biggest change in California public school financing in 40 years, does not increase the total amount of funding going to public schools, but it changes how the money is allocated, and it provides more control to local school boards over how money is spent. Because RCSD serves a large number of students who are learning English and/or who qualify for free and reduced lunch, we should receive increased funding under the new formula. However, the formula is being implemented gradually over 8 years, and RCSD will not experience the full benefit of the change until the 2020-21 school year and then only if the state economy improves as the Governor projects. In 2013-14, we expect to see modest gains in funding, but the cost to educate district students has also increased significantly in the last few years. More details on the 2013-14 budget and the reasons for the increases in expenses can be found on the district budget, www.rcsdk8.net/budget.
|
| Measure W Funds Providing Critical Support to Schools | 
Measure W, passed by local voters last spring, is bringing about $1.5 million directly to our schools. While the measure cannot fill the entire gap left by $13 million in State cuts over the past 6 years, it is supporting our top academic priorities for continued student achievement. Funds are being used to:
- Enhance reading, writing, math and science skills
- Attract and retain qualified teachers
- Support school libraries
Each school received $17,000, plus about $133 per student. School Site Councils proposed how to spend the money at their school site, and the School Board approved the proposals. Measure W is paying for reading teachers, expanded school library hours, hands-on science activities, new library books, and iPads for instruction, among other things.
Local citizens had the opportunity to apply to serve on the Measure W Citizen's Oversight Committee. The role of the Committee is to review all expenditures from Measure W funds to ensure that the funds were spent in accordance with the ballot language, and to provide an annual audit of expenditures to the community. The District received 25 applications from community members, and the Board appointed the following citizens to serve on the Oversight Committee:
Alpio Barbara, Local Business Owner
Janet Borgens, Local Business Owner
Margie Carrington, Community Member
Don Gibson, Local Business Owner
Tim Kreidler, Parent
Lisa Carlos Queener, Community Member
Carol Sanders, Community Member
Alan Tidwell, Parent
Stacey Wagner, Parent |
| RCSD Launches Money-Saving, Energy Efficiency Project |
 The School Board recently voted to approve a contract with Siemens Industry, Inc., to increase energy efficiency throughout the district and add solar panels at
Adelante, Hawes, John Gill, Clifford and Kennedy. The project will help the district save time and money, operate more efficiently and reduce the impact of our schools on the environment by using less energy and water, and reducing waste. The project will also help the district to upgrade aging equipment that will improve the learning atmosphere in classrooms.
As part of the project, Siemens Industry, Inc. will replace and retrofit equipment at all schools, including:
- Upgrade energy management system controls, decreasing the amount of staff time spent programming for unoccupied and occupied hours.
- Complete an interior/exterior lighting retrofit, improving the light levels in many classrooms, and also significantly decreasing utility costs.
- Increase efficiency of the furnace units that bring fresh outside air to the classrooms and lower the hours they are in use.
- Replace paper towel dispensers with hand dryers, greatly reducing staff time spent filling dispensers and removing trash.
In addition to these energy efficiency retrofits and replacements, the RCSD is also entering into a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Siemens Industry, Inc. that will have no upfront cost to the District, and will save the District more than $20,000 per year in decreased energy costs. The five schools receiving solar panels were chosen because an energy analysis showed that these five schools would create the most savings to the District. Additional schools may be added later, if it is financially feasible.
"We are very pleased that we can upgrade our facilities, save money, improve the learning atmosphere in our classrooms, and at the same time reduce our impact on the environment," said Superintendent Jan Christensen.
|
|
Mission, Beliefs and Long Range Goals
| The Redwood City School District aims to be a premier California School District. We are committed to the success of each and every student and we take seriously our obligation to meet the challenges laid before us by federal and state accountability guidelines.
The RCSD believes equally, however, that we must be committed to more than just academic performance of our students, if they are to truly be successful in life--now, in high school and beyond. Therefore, we commit to developing our students' full range of developmental needs--intellectual, physical, mental, and social-emotional.
As part of its process to develop a 5-year Strategic Plan, the board approved a new mission statement, set of belief statements and long-range goals on February 27, 2008 (last revised April 8, 2011):
Our Mission
Educating every child for success.
Our Beliefs
Children learn and succeed ...
... in a safe environment with challenging and enriching instruction.
... when all students and staff are held to high expectations.
... when each of us supports their intellectual, physical, social and emotional development.
... when they have caring adults in their lives.
... in a community that respects diverse backgrounds and treats everyone equitably.
... when their ideas and involvement are encouraged and respected.
... when families actively support their learning.
... when we work in partnership with families and community.
... when all employees are highly qualified, valued and respected.
... when each of us acts on the conviction that every child can and will learn.
Overarching Goals
1. Ensure that all students are prepared to be successful in high school and beyond.
2. Ensure a safe, healthy and respectful environment for students, staff and community.
3. Ensure that all schools are places where children grow intellectually, socially, physically, and emotionally.
4. Work with our community to engage, support and take collective responsibility for our children and our schools.
Goals for 2013-14
1. Recognize, retain, recruit high quality staff. 2. Expand and strengthen partnerships to increase access to preschool, before- and after school and summer programs. 3. Complete a feasibility study to determine the facilities and technology needs and find funding to address them. 4. Lead in the County on the implementation of the Common Core State Standards. |
|
|
|
|
RCSD Announces Online Registration
| |
InfoSnap is an online registration solution that moves registration and re-enrollment processes from paper to online. With InfoSnap parents register once, and confirm information each year. Student information will be complete, accurate and secure, enhancing safety for students and communication with families.
|
|
Common Core Ushers in New Way of Learning
| |
| |
Teachers, principals and staff in the Redwood City School District are hard at work learning new ways to teach students that will prepare them for work and life in the 21st Century. Planning is well underway for the transition to teaching the new Common Core State Standards, now adopted by 46 states, plus the District of Columbia.
The Common Core Standards emphasize depth and complexity, use of technology and evidence-based analysis of text. Students will explore, collaborate, and discuss complex ideas in depth. Teachers will nurture creativity and critical thinking, and use technology as a teaching and learning tool. Learning will be interactive, and teachers will ask probing questions as students discuss and analyze information together.
|
Kennedy Middle School Hits New High
| |
Kennedy Middle School showed the strongest gains in the district in 2012, increasing its API score to 753, from 672 in 2011. Staff at Kennedy were elated to hear how their hard work has paid off, and held Principal David Paliughi to his promise that he would shave his head if Kennedy's API score rose by more than 40 points.
| |
Kennedy saw gains in student proficiency at every grade level for every subject, and these gains are the reason for the large jump in the API score. Kennedy 8th graders scoring proficient or advanced on the California Standards Test (CST) for English language improved by 19 percentage points. The 8th graders proved equally impressive in mathematics with an increase of 27 percentage points for students scoring proficient or advanced on the CST in Algebra.
Kennedy 8th graders improved by 15 percentage points in history and 12 percentage points in science. A further analysis of English language arts CST data revealed that approximately 45 percent of all Kennedy 8th graders that took the test in 2012 improved by at least one performance level in English language arts.
|
|
Roosevelt Revitalizes API Scores
| 
| |
Roosevelt School, which is now a K-8 school, also made significant gains in 2012, increasing its API to 787, from 725 in 2011. Roosevelt has been in the process of revitalizing its program, adopting an academic strategy called project-based learning (PBL) school-wide in 2010. PBL focuses on core academics, with in-depth investigations in social studies and science, and challenges students to work cooperatively, think critically and present their work in front of an audience.
The STAR data released in 2012 showed that Roosevelt School saw large increases in the number of students achieving proficiency this year. Third graders scoring proficient or advanced in 2012 in English language arts (ELA) rose by 13 percentage points, and in mathematics by 27 percentage points. Roosevelt also saw big gains in proficiency in ELA at the 2nd grade level, where CST scores rose by 12 percentage points.
|
|
Award-winning Schools, Students and Staff Bring Honor to Redwood City School District
| |
During the 2012-13 school year, students who attend Redwood City School District schools, teachers who teach in the schools, district administrators and school board trustees won numerous awards celebrating notable achievements, including:
STUDENTS:
North Star 5th grade student Adrienne Evans was one of six winners in the SamTrans "
Art Takes a Bus Ride" Contest.
Roosevelt students won the BizWorld Challenge, competing against teams from other local schools, including Harker School, Woodside Elementary and North Star Academy.
Hoover 8th Grade Student Orlando Mayen was named Youth of the Year.
472 students were reclassified from English language learners to English proficient.
Former Kennedy student Sofia Due�as received the Outstanding Student Award from the Sequoia Awards Program.
Six RCSD students were named winners in Redwood City's Water Conservation Poster Contest: Ryan Barrick, Mia Axelman and Kelsey Erickson of Roosevelt School, Kiara Rodriquez and Dara Cardona of Henry Ford School, and Louise Hautefeuille of North Star Academy.
SCHOOLS:
Henry Ford School won a J. Russell Kent Award from the San Mateo County School Boards Association for its Professional Learning Community.
Kennedy Middle School won a J. Russell Kent Award from the San Mateo County School Board Association for its drama program.
Kennedy Middle School's Concert Band was the only middle school band to receive the very prestigious rating of "Unanimous Superior" from the California Music Education Association. Kennedy String Orchestra received the rating of "Excellent".
Adelante Spanish Immersion School was selected as one of fifteen finalists for the Embassy of Spain's prestigious Spanish Immersion School of the Year program.
North Star Academy was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
North Star Academy was named a California Business for Education Excellence Honor Roll School.
Kennedy Middle School was awarded a $55,000 B-Wet Ocean Views Grant Program. Students will attend six partner-led outdoor experiences, benefit from nine partner-led classroom visits and numerous teacher-led activities in the classroom, all correlated with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ocean Literacy Principles and California Science Content Standards.
STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
Sarah Coyle, a 6th grade language arts and social studies teacher at Roosevelt School, was named the 2013 San Mateo County Teacher of the Year for Elementary Education.
Hoover Volunteer Dick Imperiale was named Citizen of the Year by the Sequoia Awards Program.
Hoover Teacher Mrs. Zuno, and her husband, Hoover volunteer Mr. Zuno, received the San Mateo County Reading Association Award for Familias Unidas, a nine week family literacy series they started eight years ago.
Roosevelt teacher Gillian Parkhurst received a San Mateo County Reading Association Literacy Award for her vocabulary skits.
Fair Oaks Teacher Wendi Brown won the Redwood City-Woodside Patch Teacher Appreciation Contest.
Superintendent Jan Christensen was named Superintendent of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators for Region 5, encompassing San Francisco and San Mateo Counties.
Trustee Dennis McBride was recognized by the 17th District PTA with an Honorary Service Award for his volunteerism and tireless work on behalf of public education.
Trustee Shelly Masur was honored by the
Silicon Valley Business Journal as one of 100 Women of Influence.
|
|
Roosevelt School Expanded to K-8, Adelante Spanish Immersion Satellite to Open at Selby Lane School
| |
| |
Thanks to the hard work of a committee of parents, staff, and community members who met during the 2011-12 school year to address issues related to enrollment, school choice programs and capacity, the District has moved forward with a number of changes recommended by the committee:
Roosevelt School will offer grades kindergarten through 8th grade beginning in 2013-14. All grades will be based on the project-based learning curriculum, which focuses on core academics with in-depth investigations in social studies and science. Students are challenged to work cooperatively, think critically and present their work in front of an audience. A variety of engagement strategies are used to ensure that all students are focused and participate. Roosevelt has become an increasingly popular school with these changes, and test scores are on the rise with the school making a 62-point gain in Academic Performance Index (API) score in 2012.
The Board also approved opening a satellite Spanish Immersion program on the Selby Lane campus for the 2013-14 school year. The program will begin with 2 kindergarten classes, and then will add subsequent grades each year. It will eventually go to 5th grade. 6th-8th grade students will attend the Spanish Immersion program at Kennedy Middle School, along with students matriculating from Adelante. The District currently has more than 60 students on the waiting list for Adelante and these students will be offered the first spots available for the new kindergarten classes.
The Schools of Choice registration timeline was moved up this year, based on the recommendations of the Committee. This change allowed the district to streamline the process for parents, and inform families earlier whether their student would able to attend Adelante, MIT, North Star or Orion. Families of students who applied to Adelante, MIT, North Star or Orion by the January 9 deadline found out if their students had a place at those schools by February 15, more than a month earlier than previously. Students who applied to a neighborhood school other than their assigned neighborhood school were assigned a waiting list number based on the district's Priority Order of Enrollment and a random computer lottery process by March 15. In accordance with school board policy, the district cannot offer placement to students applying to attend a neighborhood school other than their assigned neighborhood school until all neighborhood students have been placed. Non-neighborhood students are placed at neighborhood schools as spaces open up. This may occur as early as mid-March, or students may remain on a wait list indefinitely.
|
|
|
