Henry Ford School
Proud Home of the Mustangs
Neighborhood School on Traditional Calendar
Principal: Lynne Griffiths
2011-2012 Enrollment: 455
Overview
Henry Ford is a K-5 school committed to meeting the needs of every student. We have a school wide focus on literacy and believe that the ability to read, write, and speak is the key to achievement in all pursuits. Our Language Arts program consists of full implementation of the California state mandated Houghton Mifflin reading program, supplemented by targeted small group instruction and leveled books. In addition, students needing extra support are placed in smaller group intervention that is standards based and tailored to their needs. Students needing English Language Development receive appropriate ELD instruction daily. Enrichment classes are offered after school. Our mathematics program incorporates the use of basic skills and concepts in problem-solving situations. The social studies program provides students with opportunities to study various aspects of the world, past and present, to relate it to their own lives from a variety of resources both print and electronic. The science curriculum emphasizes the scientific-inquiry method with hands-on learning. Oral and written communication skills, with the support of technology, are stressed throughout all curricular areas. There is a 21st Century grant funded after school program with Redwood City Parks and Recreation offered at $30 per student per month for eligible students in first through fifth grade.
STUDENT LITERACY OUTCOMES:
Students will demonstrate their ability to read, write, speak, and listen at or above grade level in all content areas that can be shown in a variety of ways.
Kindergarten – In kindergarten, students produce a number book using KidPix to write the number and to stamp the appropriate number of objects.
First Grade – By the end of first grade, students produce: An alphabet book using KidPix to write each letter; stamp or draw an appropriate object, and to write the word associated with the object.
Second Grade – In second grade, students learn about the stages of development of the butterfly. Students draw each stage and write a sentence with the appropriate terminology as researched from a variety of media (print and electronic).
Third Grade – In third grade, students learn about one planet in the solar system. Students use a variety of media (print and electronic) to talk, write about and research:
• The distance of the planet from the sun
• The atmosphere of the planet
• How many satellites a planet might have
• The rotation time around the sun and around its axis
Students will write a paragraph about each researched area and draw an illustration of their text.
Fourth Grade – In fourth grade, students learn about missions. In addition, students research:
• Junipero Serra
• The mission buildings
• A timeline of the mission's history
• Products the mission produced
Fifth Grade – In fifth grade, students complete a State Poster using internet based web sites. Students research using a variety of media (print and electronic) facts and pictures (either scanned or from the Internet ) about a state:
• State symbols – flag, bird, flower
• State geography – rivers, lakes, & mountains
•Famous person
•State economy
SPECIAL FEATURES OF HENRY FORD SCHOOL:
Technology - 32 IMAC Lab, student computers in the classrooms, Internet Access. Thirty minutes standards based activities in lab weekly.
Literacy - Reading Contract program, Circling
Students are encouraged to read every night and they receive recognition at the end of the month. Accelerated Reader program is used with students grades 1 to 5.
Leveled grouping for reading 1 hour a day, for grades 1st-5th, five days a week. Targeted reading and ELD instruction in smaller groups.
“Whole Child” Activities Art in Action Program for kindergarten through fifth grade, Music For Learning Program for second through fourth grades, Music for Minors for kindergarten sponsored by the PTA. P.E. one time a week for half hour sessions sponsored by the PTA. After school Enrichment classes, Individual Garden space for each class, Service Learning Projects, Active Student government for grades third to fifth, Conflict Managers (4/5 graders selected, trained and use process at recess) Bridges to Safety program and school wide recycling.
Parent Involvement – Active PTA for Fall Fiesta in combination with ELAC, Pasta Dinner, Book Fairs, Movie Nights and other activities. Informative website for students and parents, School Site Council, English Learners Advisory Council, Henry Ford Enews.
