Redwood MS - Viking Voice #1

Dear Redwood Students and Families,

It was wonderful to see so many Viking students on campus last week for orientation! We loved seeing your smiling faces, and it makes us even more excited for the adventure we are about to embark on together this school year.

Many of our teachers have already been on campus preparing their classrooms and volunteering at orientation. District staff has also been busy putting the final touches on projects around campus. You may have noticed a new wood beam being installed in the main building outside of the counseling office—thank you to CVUSD Planning for completing this project so quickly!

We are also thrilled about our upcoming Measure I projects, which include a new band room, an outdoor learning plaza, renovated science classrooms, and a brand-new science lab. While a few finishing touches will continue into the first semester, we are excited to welcome students into these beautiful new spaces and grateful to Measure I for making them possible.

As a reminder, the first day of school is a MINIMUM DAY. Period A begins at 8:30 a.m., and Period 6 will dismiss at 12:30 p.m. Please review the bell schedule below.

We can’t wait to kick off a great year together!

With Viking Pride,

Kristi Keener
Principal

Welcome to our new Assistant Principal, Mrs. Michelle Eby! Mrs. Eby joins us from Colina MS, and has extensive experience in elementary and secondary education. We are excited to have her join our staff replacing Mrs. O'Weger who is now the principal at Maple elementary school. Please stop by and say hi to Mrs. Eby!

We are excited to welcome back our two amazing counselors, Mr. Bill Zasadil and Ms. Tracy Sims. Our school counselors are often the first point of contact on various issues our students struggle with. We are grateful for the connections both our counselors make with our students, families and staff.

• Mr. Zasadil serves students with the last name A-J,
• Ms. Sims serves students with the last name K-Z.

Reminder to check Q Connect Monday starting at 2:00pm for student schedules. Copies distributed at orientation were only TENTATIVE.

• It is very important that all students check Q Connect for updates to their schedule.
• Changes have been made as we balance classes and make school wide adjustments. Everyone should check Q for their updated schedule.

Dress your best on Friday! Students will take school pictures on Friday during their PE class. Information for families regarding purchasing school pictures will be communicated. Make sure you dress your best on Friday!

• All students will be provided one school ID card with their school picture. ID cards must be brought to school EVERY DAY! Students must use their ID card for nutrition and lunch, as well as use them to earn points and prizes through our 5 Star rewards system.
  
• Lost or damaged ID cards may be replaced for $8 during the school year in the main office.
  

For students using CVUSD chromebooks this year it is STRONGLY recommends that you purchase the $25 device protection this year. This will cover ONE replacements device due to damage or loss. Student must bring their CHARGED device to school EVERY DAY. Teachers will check for devices daily during period 1. Our office will have limited loaner devices available as needed for students, however consequences will apply if a students requires a loaner chromebook more than once/week.

• All Viking are responsible for their school issued device. Devices that are lost/damage may result in replacement costs of up to $400. Please plan ahead and purchase the chromebook protection TODAY.
• Click the link below or HERE to purchase device protection.

To support student safety we enforce the following one way flow of traffic in our school parking lot. Families are STRONGLY encouraged to drop students off OUTSIDE of the parking lot. Students may be dropped off along Gainsborough Road and can walk into the front parking lot. For families who must enter the lot please be mindful of the ONE WAY flow of traffic. Cones will also be set up to guide vehicles. Thank you for helping us keep our students safe!

We are looking for a parent representative for our English Language Learner Advisory Council. This parent would represent Redwood at district level DELAC meetings, and attend our School Site Council to report back. Please consider volunteering if you are interested. Feel welcome to contact Michelle Eby (Assistant Principal) or Ana Medina (EL facilitator) if you have questions.

Click HERE to learn more about DELAC in CVUSD!

Similar to previous years Redwood has a phone free campus during school hours. Cell phones, watches being used for communication, or airpods must be turned OFF AND AWAY THE ENTIRE SCHOOL DAY. Thanks for helping us keep our students engaged and attentive during school hours.

• Students will turn phones into the office and families notified if there are concerns with your student not following this policy.
• Students do not need phones at school. There are phones in classrooms and in the office that students may use to communicate with a rides, parents or guardians.

Safety is our main priority on campus, and we equally value the importance our students safe travels to and from campus as well as in our community. Please take some time to review the e-bike and e-scooter information from TOPD.

• Students who use e-bikes to travel to and from school must WALK the bike on school side walks, parking lot and on campus.
• Students are responsible for the safety of their personal property. The school does not assume liability for personal property students choose to bring to campus. Please be careful!
• Students who are not following TOPD rules will not be permitted to bring their property to campus. Ex- Students who do not wear a helmet or attempt to bring an electric motorcycle to campus. Families will be notified that your child is not permitted to continue riding the bike to campus. Supportive measures will be discussed should the student require alternative options for transportation.

Reminder that the first day of school is a minimum day bell schedule. There is ONLY FUN ON DAY 1. Period 6 is dismissed at 12:30pm. Click the link above or view the graphic below for additional bell schedule information.

Click the button above to view our general school calendar for 2025-2026. For advance planning purposes this "Year At A Glance" provides families with information regarding late start common planning days, minimum bell schedule days etc. Additional adjustments will be communicated as needed throughout the year.

If you have not yet joined PTSA please make sure to join now. We greatly appreciate all our families, students and staff for joining the Viking PTSA. This organization supports many activities and recognitions on campus throughout the year.

NEW this year - All CVUSD Cafeterias are CASHLESS. Students must have funds pre-loaded on their Q Connect accounts in order to purchase a la cart items.

• As a reminder all students may receive FREE breakfast or nutrition, and lunch free of charge.

Students who wish to purchase items in addition to those provided free of charge may not use cash this year. Families can load funds onto their student's Q Connect account but logging onto Q Parent Connect and selecting "Cafeteria".

Click HERE to order Redwood new spirit gear through Trend Graphics. All items must be ordered online directly through Trend Graphics between August 13th and September 19th. After the pre-order closes, Trend will ship all items directly to Redwood the end of September. We will distribute to students once they arrive to campus.

Discipline Procedures and Standards: School rules and procedures are available on the RMS website.

• Redwood School Rules and Expectations

• Please review with your child to understand the behavior standards and expectations at Redwood and in the District, as well as the policies for cell phones and all electronic devices. Staff will also reinforce behavior expectations at the start of school year.