Join in celebrating Clifford students, from Kindergarten through 8th Grade, performing this time-honored tale of pixie dust, lost boys, pirates, mermaids, and fairies!
Performance Information
Dates
Friday, February 19: 7PM
Saturday, February 20th: 7 pm
Sunday, February 21st: 1 pm
Venue
McKinley Middle School Auditorium, 400 Duane St., Redwood City
Ticket prices
$15 reserved
$12 general
$14 at the door
Buy your tickets early – with only 3 performances tickets are sure to sell out!
Purchase Tickets
▪ Tickets will be available in the school office, starting Monday, January, 11.
▪ The week leading up to the show, you can buy tickets at the outside tables before and after school.
▪ Click here to buy your tickets now via PayPal (a small fee will apply for your online transaction). You don’t need to have an account with PayPal to buy tickets — just use your credit card.
Note: If you buy online, pick up your tickets at will call before the performance.
We’re thrilled to announce our Future Chef competition for the 2015/2016 school year. This year we’re accepting entries K-grade 5. The idea behind this event is to help educate the students in HEALTHY EATING HABITS. This year we want students to submit their recipes for their favorite healthy breakfast.
We are collecting recipes through January 15, 2016. The contest will be held at Hawes Elementary School on February 25, 2016 from 3:00-5:00 pm. All recipes will be collected and a finalist from each school will be selected to participate in the contest.
Judging will be based on the following criteria:
-Originality
-Kid friendly
-Ease of preparation
-Healthy attributes
-Plate presentation
-Taste
All participants will receive a certificate, medal, embroidered chef coat, and chef hat. The winner of the event will then be entered into our National competition.
Send recipe submissions to Vanessa at the RCSD office at vcorona[at]rcsdk8[dot]net.
Clifford’s winter session of After School Enrichment Classes is starting, so register before it is too late!
“Yes for Chess” has their first class this Monday, January 11th. Mad Science’s “Earth, Wind, Inspire” and Digital Monkey’s “Into to Game Development” courses started last week, but there are still spaces if you are interested.
Class offerings include, reading, math, art, science, chess, Spanish, coding, and sports camp. For complete information, see the Enrichment Programs page, for detailed class descriptions and how to register.
Art in Action for some classes at Clifford has already begun, and we are excited to have parents sign up to volunteer.
What’s it all about?
In case you are new to Clifford School or haven’t heard about it before, Art in Action is a PTO-funded and parent-driven art program for our students, from 1st Grade through 5th Grade. (We have a plan to bring Art in Action back to Middle School – stay tuned!)
A parent, along with a merry band of helpers, facilitates a brief discussion of a work of art – a painting or a ceramics piece, for example — and then leads the students through a fun creative process. All the art supplies are assembled for you, as long as you give us a few days’ notice. A typical Art in Action class will take about an hour – or less, or more — depending on the amount of time you have and how detailed you want things to go.
It’s a wonderful program; the students dig it. And we need volunteers!
Oh, and in case you’re wondering. . . .
NO: You don’t need to work in design or feel “artsy” to lead a class. Nor do you need to have a background in art history or be a whiz with watercolors – or anything like that!
(Full disclosure: The writer of this post, in fact, can’t draw her way out of a paper bag, and has adored teaching Art in Action for five years.)
All you need is a willingness and enthusiasm for leading students through a creative process — and you can rely on Art in Action’s helpful resources online (and other parents, of course) to make your class happen! Plus, you will have a captive audience. We’ll say it again: Students love having parents teach Art in Action.
A selection of artwork on display during Maze Day.
You can volunteer in three ways:
Lead or facilitate a class (consider sharing the role with another parent)
Assist during class (hand out art materials)
Help in your own time at home (prepping supplies, mounting artwork, and so on)
To volunteer, sign up during Back to School Night (September 24) and/or tell your child’s teacher that you are interested in leading a class or helping out!
New from Art in Action
If you are leading a class and want to access Art in Action’s online resources — video tutorials and lesson guidelines, for instance — you need to create a new account at the new Art in Action website. (Your old login/password won’t work past November 30, 2015, says Art in Action.)
After creating an account, you can browse through the respective Grade-level lesson plans if you’re leading a class. You choose the lesson and then coordinate with your child’s teacher. (Some teachers may request specific lessons for their students.)
You can teach in your child’s classroom — or in Room 10 or Room 12 — depending on your preference and the teacher’s. Note: You’ll need to reserve Room 10 and 12 through the school office — and the rooms may not be available when you want them.
Before your class, find fell0w-parents to assist you (your child’s teacher will probably know who has expressed an interest in helping). If you need help recruiting a volunteer or two, contact us.
Special plea
If you’ve already assisted in class – handing out paint brushes and refilling water containers, for example – please consider leading a class yourself next time! If you need help figuring this out, contact us.
Additional resources
To see an overview of Art in Action lessons, 1st through 5th Grade — and to add your own scheduled classes, when firmed up — please use this online spreadsheet. Thank you.
Check out the PTO’s Art in Action page, where you’ll find details about logistics, links to training info, photos, and more.
The Clifford Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is comprised of all parents or guardians, teachers and staff of Clifford School and everyone is automatically a member of the PTO.
Our PTO is a volunteer organization and depends upon the generous work and efforts of our members. We are now planning to fill our officer and committee chairperson positions for next year. We will be excepting nominations for the following positions and will be voting on them at the May PTO meeting on May 21st.
Officer Positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.
Committee Chairpersons: Fundraising, Communications, Direct Donations, Volunteer Coordinator, Event Coordinator, Enrichment Coordinator, Middle School Liaison, Hospitality, Auditor.
Check out these job descriptions for the open position with the PTO Executive Board, various committees, and other roles! (Or view the information as a PDF here.)
Officer Positions
President
Preside over all meetings of the PTO
Prepare each meeting’s agenda
Be a member, ex officio of all committees, except a committee to elect the Executive Board
Represent the PTO at city-wide meetings or other meetings outside of the organization
Assist in the total coordination of all committees and the PTO as a whole
Sign checks, notes, etc.
Appoint Special Committee as needed
Announce PTO meetings to the School population at least one week in advance of that meeting
Secure meeting location, time and date
Submit amendments to the by-laws; keep By-laws current
Vice President
Perform the duties of the President in her/his absence, resignation, or inability to serve
Represent the PTO at city-wide meetings or other meetings outside of the organisation
Be a member, ex officio of all committee, except a committee to elect the Executive Board
Sign checks, notes, etc.
Secretary
Maintain all records of the PTO, including transactions, contracts, correspondence, and related documents
Records minutes of the meetings of the Executive Board and PTO and forward copies to each Executive Board member within 10 days of the recorded meeting
Publicly post the minutes from the preceding PTO meeting; circulate the minutes from the preceding PTO meeting at each monthly PTO meeting.
Receive records from the planning of any event hosted by the PTO and maintain them. These records should be kept in a secure location at the school, should be made available upon request by any Committee Chair planning a similar event, and turned over to the next Secretary to hold this position
Attend to the official correspondence of the PTO, including, but not limited to, gestures of appreciation and sympathy on behalf of the PTO
Hold a copy of the PTO By-laws , Parliamentary Procedures, and current Membership list (School Directory) and make each available upon request to any PTO Member at any PTO or Executive Board meeting
Provide a printed copy of these By-laws to each newly elected Executive Board member prior to the first regular PTO meeting
Treasurer
Act as custodian of funds and perform all banking activities of the PTO
Sign checks
Maintain up-to-date, accurate financial records of the PTO
Receive all funds of the PTO, including, but not limited to, donations, dues, and fundraising sales and contributions
Provide a written and oral financial report of the receipts and expenditures at each PTO and Executive Board meeting and at other times upon request of the Executive Board
Audit all invoices and receipts submitted for payment or reimbursement to ensure each request is in compliance with PTO policies. Pay all bills and disburse funds as authorized by the Executive Board
Perform the complete and timely filing of all federal and state tax returns as well as other financial reports, pertaining to the PTO’s 501( C)(3) status, as applicable; and maintain accurate records of such
Complete all financial updates by the close of the Fiscal Year and provide a full year-end report
Principal
Act as a liaison between the School and the PTO
Ensure that all PTO activities are in accordance with the School policies and procedures
Teacher Representative
Act as liaison between the School staff and the PTO
Classified Staff Representative
Act as a liaison between the School staff and the PTO
Standing Committees
Fundraising
Research options, plans, and anticipated profits and expenses for any fundraising projects and present suggestions to the Executive Board
Prepare and execute fundraising projects as approved by the Executive Board
Solicit volunteers to assist with each Fundraiser
Report all fundraising activities, expenses, and profits at each monthly PTO
Maintain records of all contributions
Maintain planning records of each fundraiser to pass down to next chair for permanent record keeping
Oversee and execute the Saving Programs
Direct Donation Campaign
Work collaboratively with Executive Board and Fundraising Chair to secure donations from Clifford Community
Maintain records of all contributions
Periodically report on electronic or monthly related to the Direct Donation Campaign
Maintain records of communication, strategies, and data to pass to next chair for permanent record keeping
Communication
Work collaboratively with Executive Board to communicate all PTO function and messages to the Clifford Community and promote Clifford School in a positive light
Coordinate and/or solicit volunteers to assist
Maintain records of all duties, strategies, and data to be passed down to the next chair for permanent record keeping
Events
Plan and implement(with Executive Board) all not-for-profit social activities for School students and their families
Solicit volunteer to assist
Notify the Communication Committee in advance of event dates for Photo and press coverage
Maintain records of event, strategies, and data to pass down to next chair for permanent record keeping
Hospitality
Plan and serve refreshments at the monthly PTO meetings and other PTO functions
Help coordinate the Teacher Appreciation week and New Family Welcome
Volunteer Coordination
Publicize PTO positions and recruit volunteers to fill open positions for the upcoming school year
Work with the Executive Board and Committee Chairs to prepare a list of open position to be included at meetings
Keep database of all members willing to volunteer to help, whether it is chairing a position or volunteering for an event
Maintain records of sign-up literature, data, and strategies to pass down to next Chair for permanent record keeping
Enrichment
Coordinate educational enrichment programs for students in all grades
Solicit and supervise Volunteers to help
Work with the Principal and teacher to coordinate events that enhance current curriculum
Notify the Communication Committee in advance of event dates for photo and press coverage
Write a summary of each event for publication in the newsletter or School website
Maintain records of all program literature, strategies, and data to pass down to next chair for permanent record keeping
Middle School liaison
Solicit and supervise Volunteers to help
Run the Middle School Parent Forums and any other activities and communication between the Middle School, Parents, Staffs, and PTO
Report activities of the Middle School Committee to the Executive Board to ensure there are no conflicting program
Maintain records of all literature, strategies, and data to pass down to next chair for permanent record keeping
Room Representative Liaison
Solicit and supervise Volunteers to help
Run the School Parent Forums and any other activities and communication between the School, Parents, Staffs, and PTO
Report activities of the School Committee to the Executive Board to ensure there are no conflicting program
Maintain records of all literature, strategies, and data to pass down to next chair for permanent record keeping
Finance Audit
Made of Three (3) PTO members that do not currently serve on the Executive Board
Audit the financial records of the PTO
Prepare a fiscal year-end audit report and ensure checks and balances are in place
(And apologies to anybody reading this who is not a Star Wars fan!)
You are all welcome to watch Danny G’s dance students perform in the MUB on May 4 — and they will show you all the amazing things they have learned during this (new-to-Clifford) performing arts program.
As one of Clifford’s after-school enrichment programs, Danny G has been teaching twice a week, for 10 weeks, and the students are excited to dance for you.
4th & 5th grade dancers:
Monday, May 4
3:15 — 3:45PM (MUB)
No RSVP needed. Just show up — and enjoy!
P.S. We had the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders perform on Wednesday, April 15. The show was outstanding. Bravo.
Digital Monkey School presents a 30-minute free demo class this Thursday: Intro to Game Development. This class will be part of the after-school enrichment programs.
This trial class is for 4th through 8th graders only. Come to the computer lab to learn how to create a computer game.
What: Demo class by Digital Monkey
When: Thursday, April 9
Time: 1:35 pm – 2:05 pm.
Where: Computer lab (accessible via Clifford Library)
Who: 4th – 8th graders only
The after-school enrichment session starts on April 30 – May 28. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn 3D modeling and animation.
Students, are you ready to hit the dance floor after the final school bell?!
Well, a new performing arts enrichment program has begun for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders on Wednesdays (started Feb 11). And 4th & 5th graders have a class on Mondays (started Feb 23).
Spots are available in both classes–and if your student is starting late, the fee is pro-rated.
The dance program’s teacher is Danny G, a wonderful choreographer, well-known in the community for his work with Adelante, John Gill, Roosevelt, Hawes, along with other schools in the Bay Area. Danny has also choreographed many San Carlos Children’s Theater productions––and he has taught at SCCT camps.
1st, 2nd & 3rd Graders
Once a week on Wednesday
2:45PM to 3:45PM in the MUB
From 2/11 through 4/15
Maximum is 25 students total
The final class will have a performance for families (last half-hour)!
$160 fee (or pro-rated, depending on start date)
4th & 5th Graders
Once a week on Monday
2:45PM to 3:45PM in the MUB
From 2/23 through 5/4
Maximum is 25 students total
The final class will have a performance for families (last half-hour)!
Dance attire
Have your student wear sneakers along with loose clothing — leggings or shorts and comfortable t-shirts / tops!
Performance clips
Ready for some Kool & The Gang action?! Check out this fun YouTube video where Danny G’s John Gill students move and groove to “Celebration!”
For some 1950s moves, see more John Gill students dancing to Mr. Sandman by The Chordettes on this YouTube segment.
And lastly, a nod to Mary Poppins: See these super dancers perform the Penguin Dance — and then they dance to “Party Rock” by LMFAO. This group of students won 1st Place in the downtown parade, too!
Before the holidays, during the Winter Holiday Gift-Making enrichment program, 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders worked on really fun — and festive — projects: They decorated glass and wooden ornaments, and painted a penguin on canvas!
These classes are fun and children create unique gifts for their family members. The children are proud of their art projects!
This spring, the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Gift-Making classes are coming up. Please check the bulletin board outside of the school office for updates, along with the class information flyers, which will be included in the children’s folders sometime in April.
BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE HERE!
This spring, the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Gift-Making classes are coming up. Please check the bulletin board outside of the school office for updates, along with the class information flyers, which will be included in the children’s folders sometime in April.