Dolphin Digest
May 26, 2026
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, May 25
- Memorial Day - No School
Tuesday, May 26
- Middle School Career Fair
Wednesday, May 27
- Kindergarten Spring Sing, 8:30 - MUB
- 6th Grade Field Trip - Academy of Sciences
Thursday, May 28
- 5th/6th Shadow Day
- Middle School Spring Instrumental Concert, MUB - 6:30 pm
Friday, May 29
- 8th Grade Promotion Practice
- 5th/6th Shadow Day
Monday, June 1
- Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, 8:00 - 8:45 am - Library
- 8th Grade Promotion Practice
- 5th/6th Shadow Day
- K-5 & Middle School Field Day, 1:00 - 2:40
Tuesday, June 2
- 8th Grade Promotion Practice
- 8th Grade Great America Field Trip
Wednesday, June 3
- Ms. Maria Day - Show Appreciation for Ms. Maria for her Retirement!!
- 4th Grade Field Trip to San Juan Bautista
Thursday, June 4
- Super Minimum Day, 11:45 Dismissal
- 8th Grade Promotion, 5:00 pm
Friday, June 5
- Last Day of School!
- Super Minimum Day, 11:45 Dismissal
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2026!
As the school year comes to an end, we are excited to celebrate and honor our amazing 8th grade students — the Clifford Class of 2026!
Over the years, these students have grown not only academically, but also as individuals. They have shown determination, maturity, creativity, and compassion while making their mark on our school community. From classroom accomplishments to performances, athletics, leadership opportunities, field trips, and everyday moments with friends, they have created memories and experiences that will stay with them for years to come.
It has been truly rewarding to watch this class develop into such capable and resilient young people. We are confident they are prepared for the opportunities and challenges that await them in high school.
To our 8th grade families, thank you for your continued support, partnership, and dedication throughout your child’s years at Clifford. Your encouragement and involvement have helped shape this wonderful group of students and strengthened our school community.
To the Class of 2026 — congratulations on this important milestone! We are proud of all you have accomplished and look forward to hearing about all the great things you will do in the future. No matter where life takes you next, you will always be an important part of the Clifford community.
FAREWELL AND BEST WISHES TO DEPARTING STAFF
As we prepare to wrap up the school year, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank several Clifford staff members who will not be returning next year. Each of these individuals has contributed so much to our school community, and their care, dedication, and hard work have made a lasting impact on our students and families.
We are grateful for the time we’ve had with them and know they will go on to do wonderful things in their next chapters. Please join us in wishing the very best to:
- Maria Stockton, Office Manager
- Vicky Alvarado, Office Assistant
- Stephanie Gomez Sevilla, Office Assistant
- Lori Paris & Tracy DaCosta, Part-time Assistant Principals
- Danielle Schall, STEAM Teacher
- Yidan Sun, Music Teacher
- Susan Sanchez, Reading Specialist
- Lauren Tapang, Reading Support
- Samuel Adamos, 7th/8th Grade ELA Teacher
- Leila Taherian, 5th-6th RLC Teacher
- Cynthia Guillen, Newcomer Aide
- Noel Newman, Paraeducator 6-8 SLC
- Chanda Stewart, Guest Teacher
While we will miss them greatly, they will always be part of the Clifford family. Thank you for supporting them during their time with us and as they move forward.
SUMMER LEARNING CHALLENGE
As we approach the end of the school year, we want to take a moment to highlight the importance of continued learning over the summer months. Consistent practice helps students maintain the progress they’ve made this year and sets them up for success in the fall.
To support this, we will be providing Summer Learning Packets for all students in grades K–7. We encourage all students to participate in our Summer Learning Challenge!
Students who complete their packet and turn it in at the start of the new school year will receive:
🐬 5 Dolphin Dollars
🍦 A special ice cream celebration
🎓 A certificate at our September assembly
To qualify, completed packets must be turned in to your child’s teacher by Friday, August 21st.
In addition to the Summer Learning Challenge, there are several online resources available to support continued learning:
Clever Apps: Students may continue using the learning apps they are familiar with through Clever until the end of July.
K–3 students will receive QR codes for easy access
4th-7th-grade students can log in using their district email and password
Khan Academy: This is a free, highly effective resource that offers personalized learning across a variety of subjects. Families will need to create an account for their child, and it’s quick and easy to get started. www.khanacademy.org - Available on phones, tablets, and computers.
We also encourage families to visit the Redwood City Public Library this summer. They offer a wide range of programs and resources for both students and parents that support reading, literacy development, and a love of learning.
Even small amounts of consistent practice - just 15 - 30 minutes a few days a week can make a big difference.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s learning. We look forward to celebrating our students’ hard work when they return in the fall!
APPROVE 2026-2027 PARENT SSC MEMBERS
The School Site Council is an important leadership group made up of both staff and parents who work together to support student success at Clifford. The SSC helps develop and monitor goals for our Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA), oversees the Measure U and Title I budgets, and reviews progress toward our schoolwide academic and behavioral goals. The council plays an important role in ensuring that all students have access to strong instructional programs and the support they need to succeed.
SSC member terms serve 2 year terms, therefore, periodically we need to either vote in new members or renew current members. We have 2 current SSC parent members who would like to renew their membership and 2 new parent members who would like to join the School Site Council.
Please approve these members using this form no later than Friday, May 29th.
LOST AND FOUND
As we approach the end of the school year, our Lost & Found is overflowing with jackets, sweatshirts, water bottles, lunch containers, and other items.
Please encourage your child to check the Lost & Found or stop by before the last day of school to look for any missing belongings. All unclaimed items will be donated after the last day of school.
Thank you for your help in clearing out the Lost & Found before summer break!
FAMILY CENTER UPDATE
Hello Clifford families,
Here are some great summer and next school year programs available to sign up your student(s) for! Flyers for registration are attached below, please keep scrolling for translation as they are in English then Spanish (some Spanish than English) on the same link.
Summer Reading Challenge
Keep your child learning and growing this summer with our K–8 Summer Learning Challenge! Students are encouraged to practice just 15 minutes a day using take-home packets and Clever activities to stay sharp and ready for a successful new school year.
Clifford Sports Interest Form
Would you like your student to play sports on a Clifford team next school year? Complete the interest form to stay informed about upcoming youth sports programs and receive early registration notifications to help secure a spot for your child.
Clifford Sports Interest Form Flyer.pdf
PAL Summer Programing
Looking for a fun and engaging summer program for your child? PAL Center’s Summer Sunrise Program offers students in grades K–8 exciting enrichment activities, field trips, sports, arts, and social skill-building in a positive and supportive environment throughout the summer.
Pal Summer Sunrise Brochure 2026.pdf
PAL 2026-2027 Interest form
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PACKET
Get Ready for the New School Year: Complete Your First Day of School Packet Today!
As families get ready to celebrate graduations and promotions, we’re thrilled to begin preparing for your child’s return this August! The First Day of School Packet was launched earlier this month and should now be in your inbox. Please take a moment to review and complete it at your earliest convenience.
Completing this packet is crucial as it provides an opportunity to update vital medical and emergency contact information and access the latest district policies. You will also be granting permission for classroom technology use and yearbook pictures.
If your plans don’t include returning to RCSD next year, kindly log in to the packet and indicate your intentions to prevent further reminders. Otherwise, the automated system will continue to send you information.
Your prompt action helps us plan effectively for the upcoming school year. For assistance with completing the packet, please visit our school office. Thank you for your cooperation in this important process!
RCSD SUMMER MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
THE PARENT VENTURE WORKSHOPS
Not So Sweet: Concerns Over Adolescents’ Use of Tobacco Pouches (including Zyn)
Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, PhD, Founder of REACH Lab, Stanford Medicine
Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm PT, Virtual Event (Live)
Register: https://bonniehalpernfelsher2026.eventbrite.com/
Nicotine pouches like Zyn are rapidly gaining popularity among adolescents and young adults. Join Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, PhD, Stanford School of Medicine, for an important conversation on nicotine pouches and adolescent health.
Parents/caregivers, students, educators, and community members welcome! Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available. Free admission.
This presentation is sponsored by the Sequoia Healthcare District, Sequoia Union High School District, and Peninsula Health Care District, in partnership with The Parent Venture.
Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, MEd, Co-Founder and CEO, The Parent Venture, at cmargot@parentventure.org.
Beyond the Checklist: Strategies to Help Students Thrive in College, Work, and the Age of AI
Ana Homayoun, Author and Founder, Green Ivy Educational Consulting, and Brandon Williams, Assistant Director of Academic and College Advising
Thursday, May 28, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm PT, Virtual Event (Live)
Register: https://anahomayoun2026.eventbrite.com
Join Ana Homayoun — author of Getting In Is Not Enough — and colleague Brandon Williams for a candid conversation about the gap between what schools measure and what colleges, employers, and the modern world actually demand.
Parents/caregivers, students, educators, and community members welcome! Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available. Free admission.
This presentation is sponsored by the Sequoia Healthcare District, Sequoia Union High School District, and Peninsula Health Care District, in partnership with The Parent Venture.
Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, MEd, Co-Founder and CEO, The Parent Venture, at cmargot@parentventure.org.