Kindergarten Assessment and "Bridges to Kindergarten"

This program determines each student’s school readiness and identifies students for the Bridge program. Readiness assessments are used by teachers and principals to balance the kindergarten rooms for skills and abilities, making the first year of school a success for all. The Bridge program begins before the first day of school and focuses on helping students get used to the fundamentals of classroom behavior and expectations.

Leap Pad Reading Intervention

Building on the success of a school district pilot program, RCEF is providing the Leap Pad Learning System™ to all our elementary schools. Schools across the District are now using the LeapPads to help students gain and improve literacy skills. The RCEF is accepting gently used Leap Pads; you can drop them off at your school library, or contact us for alternative locations.

Outdoor Education

The RCEF provides funding for a district coordinator and scholarships for Outdoor Education. 1,000 fifth grade students benefit from a week-long academic program in the Santa Cruz mountains, exploring the environment and developing their skills in all curricular areas, including science, mathematics, and language arts.

Staff Development Stipends

We provide $1,000 stipends to teachers who are pursuing National Board Certification. National Board Certification is the highest credential in the teaching profession. A voluntary process, certification is achieved through a rigorous performance-based assessment that takes between one and three years to complete and measures what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do using instructional methods such as differentiated learning.

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Music for Learning

Music for Learning is a comprehensive music education program for all second through fourth grade students throughout the school district. This interactive program uses rhythm, singing, listening, performing, and activities that lead to reading, understanding and appreciating music. Trained music educators provide the program and the curriculum is based on the state’s Visual and Performing Arts Framework for California Public Schools. This program is offered in partnership with Music for Minors.

Music is Instrumental

The RCEF provides funds to support instrumental music instruction for all the middle school programs in the district. We also accept donations of used instruments in good condition. You can drop your donation off at either school, or contact us for more information.

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Wellness Coordinator

Starting in the 2006/7 school year, the RCEF is funding a new position in the Redwood City School District—a Wellness Coordinator. This individual will coordinate programs across the District aimed at helping our 7,700 students develop healthy habits and become stronger learners. The Wellness Coordinator will also further the goals of the newly adopted District Wellness Policy.

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