Henry Ford College: A Comprehensive Guide for Students

Henry Ford College (HFC) offers a wide array of opportunities for students to explore, learn, and prepare for their future. From academic classes to student clubs, athletic competitions, and arts programs, HFC provides a comprehensive educational experience. The faculty, staff, and administration are dedicated to assisting students every step of the way, making HFC an ideal choice for those seeking a transformative college experience. This guide will provide essential information for navigating the HFC student portal and other important aspects of student life.

Registering for Classes

Any HFC student in good standing can register for classes. Prospective or current students can browse the upcoming class schedule without logging in. Here's a step-by-step guide to planning and registering for courses:

Accessing the Schedule: The current semester should be displayed under the "Schedule" tab. If not, click the ">" (next) sign until you reach the desired semester. Select "+" (expand) if the current semester is not displayed.
Finding Courses: Look in the gray box to find the course number.
Adding Courses to Your Plan: You will see a Section Details popup window. A new message will appear, indicating that the course has been added to your schedule plan (but you are not yet registered!).
Planning Your Schedule: You will now see the course(s) that you just planned. It is important to note that your course/s is/are only planned. After planning all your courses, you are ready to officially register.
Official Registration: After planning all your courses, you are ready to officially register. Congratulations! You are now registered for classes. The yellow boxes will appear green, and the screen will say Registered instead of Planned.
Waitlist: When the option "Drop Waitlist" appears, you have been added to the waitlist for that course.

Paying for classes on time is essential. Please view the academic calendar to check the add/drop dates and payment dates.

Dropping a Course

If you need to drop a course, it is advisable to schedule a quick appointment with your academic advisor first. Your advisor can help make sure you stay on track with your program and your graduation or transfer plan.

Dropping a Course: A pop-up screen will ask you to confirm that you are dropping the class. Select "Update" if you wish to drop the class.
Confirmation: The course you dropped will then revert to Planned status, signifying that you have dropped the class successfully.

Important Note: If you do not plan to complete a class, make sure you officially drop the class before the withdrawal "W" deadline! If you stop doing the coursework and do not officially drop the class, one of two undesirable things will happen: either you will fail the class and receive an F on your transcript, or, if you drop the class late, you will have a "W" for "withdraw" on your transcript. Both outcomes are easily preventable.

Library Resources

To access online library resources, HFC faculty, staff, and current students can use their HFC username and password to log in. Checking out books from the library requires an HFC Library barcode, available at the library's Circulation Desk. The barcode is a sticker that is placed on the back of your HFC student/faculty ID card.

For research-related questions, consider the librarian a personal resource available for any of your course-related needs.

Attendance Policy

The RCSD believes that regular attendance plays an important role in student achievement and recognizes its responsibility under the law to ensure that students attend school regularly. Parents/guardians of children aged 6 to 18 are obligated to send their children to school unless otherwise provided by law. The school follows the state attendance laws and may use appropriate legal means to correct the problems of excessive absence or truancy. Absence from school shall be excused only for health reasons, family emergencies and justifiable personal reasons, as permitted by law, Board policy and administration regulations. [BP/AR 5112.2] Daily class participation is an integral part of students' learning experience. Parents/guardians and students shall be encouraged to schedule medical appointments during non-school hours. A student's grades may be affected by excessive unexcused absences in accordance with Board policy. [BP/AR 5121] Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school - and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they can learn right away that going to school on time; every day is important.

Henry Ford has an absence reporting hotline. Please call 1-888-403-5535 to report your child's absence. State the date of absences, student's name, reason for absences and name of the person reporting the absence. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Important Dates

Monday Sept.
Thursday Sept.
Friday Sept.
Monday Sep. 15 to Fri. Sept.
Monday Sept.
Monday Oct.
Wednesday Oct.
Friday Oct.
Tuesday Nov.
Wednesday Nov.
Tuesday Nov.
Wednesday Nov.
Monday Dec.
Thursday Dec.
Friday Dec. 19 - Fri. Jan.
Mon. Jan.
Tues. Jan.
Monday Jan.
Wednesday Jan.
Friday Feb.
Monday Feb. 16 - Feb.
Monday Feb.
Mon. April 6 - Fri.

Additional Information for Henry Ford Elementary School

The mission of Henry Ford Elementary School is to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally to achieve high intellectual performances for both personal and academic success. We teach and inspire children to read, write, think critically, listen and speak well, apply scientific and mathematical concepts, appreciate the arts and develop the skills necessary for students to become responsible members of society.

Read also: The Mind of Henry David Thoreau

Attendance

Please help Henry Ford Achieve our 2025-26 Attendance Goal of reaching a 96% attendance rate!

Early Pick Up

If your child needs to leave campus early, you must stop by the office to sign out the student. The office staff will then call the room for the child to meet you in the office.

If you know in advance when your student will be absent for 5 days or more, you can request an Independent Study Packet.
Please do NOT send your child to school when they are ill.

Attendance Notification

In accordance with the State of California’s Education Code [EC §. 48260-48273], when any pupil is absent from school for 3 days or more without a valid excuse, and/or tardy 3 or more times in excess of 30 minutes, we must notify the parent/guardian. Parents will receive a letter from the school administrator.

Compulsory Education Law

California compulsory education law requires everyone between the ages of six and eighteen years of age to attend school, except students who have graduated from high school or passed the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) and obtained parental permission. Some students, however, violate compulsory education laws and have a pattern of unexcused absences.

Lost and Found

Be sure to label all personal belongings with your child’s name at the beginning of the year, including lunch boxes. Lost and found items are located in front of the school office.

Read also: Gonzalez Academy's Unique Approach

Emergency Cards

Please inform the RCSD District Office (750 Bradford Street, RWC) of any changes which occur during the school year, including your child’s medical provider information.

Electronic Devices

No electronic devices are permitted on campus except for cell phones, pagers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) which are allowed but must be turned off and stored in backpacks. Phones may be used after school only. Phones or any other inappropriate electronic items being used during school hours will be confiscated.

Breakfast and Hot Lunch

Free breakfast and hot lunch are served daily.

Arrival and Dismissal

Traffic conditions around school can be problematic.

Students and parents need to enter campus on sidewalks, not through the parking lot.
TK pick-up : 1:30, Kinder pick-up: 1:45, 1st- 3rd pick-Up: 2:30, 4th - 5th pick-Up: 2:45 Please do not arrive early. Students are dismissed at 2:45, but take at least 5 minutes to get to the pickup zone.
The drop-off or pick up of children should be done in front of the school loading zone line. By Vehicle Code, the white curb indicates your stop must be brief, and you must remain with your car. Students must enter and exit cars at this curb, not in the middle of the street. Please do not double-park on the street while waiting, the police will ask you to circle the block. When you are in the drop-off/pick-up line, do not block intersections or crosswalks. Do not double-park in the loading zone. Always move your car to the most forward position of the line at the curb. Do not make illegal U-Turns from the loading zone.
If you would like to escort your child to and from campus, please park on designated side streets.

After School Supervision

Students need to leave school grounds immediately after school is dismissed, unless they are participating in a structured after school activity.

Mustang Tickets

Students who demonstrate Henry Ford’s character traits receive a Mustang ticket in recognition of their efforts. Students who are “caught” being Respectful, Responsible and Safe earn tickets. The tickets are then put into a raffle. Teachers select a name every Friday, and one student from each grade level is drawn at random during.

Spirit Days

Every Friday is Spirit Day. Students are encouraged to wear school colors (blue and white). The classes with the highest percentage of students participating get to keep a Henry Ford Banner in their classroom for the week. The last Friday of the month has a special theme selected by our Student Council.

Communication

The communications system between home and school is an important factor for student success. The following are various methods of communication used throughout the school year.

Thursday Folders: Notices of upcoming events and important notices are sent home in the Thursday folder. The folder is sent home every week with each child. It is very important to look through this folder weekly because it is the way teachers and the school communicate with parents.
Class Dojo: All information regarding Henry Ford is posted on Class Dojo on a regular basis. In addition to receiving updates, parents can use Class Dojo to connect with teachers and the principal.
The Mustang Gazette: The school publishes a newsletter monthly. Its purpose is to keep you informed of school related activities and upcoming events. It is posted on Class Dojo. It is also an excellent resource for parents with general education questions.
Monthly Coffee With The Principal: Parents are invited to join the principal for coffee the last Friday of every month. The coffee provides an opportunity to share ideas and concerns in an informal setting.
Parent Teacher Conferences: Conferences with parents are an important part of the reporting system. In elementary school, teachers hold 1-2 conferences each year, in September and March (for academic and/or behavior concerns). This is an opportunity to check in on your child’s progress and determine the best method of support for their continued growth. It is important to mention that success in school results from the combined effort of the most important people in a child’s life-parents and teachers. Conferences are vital towards keeping the lines of communication open between parents and teachers.
Grading and Report Cards: Questions on the grading process should be directed to your child’s teacher. Report cards are given out and discussed during Parent Teacher Conferences.
Back to School Night: Scheduled at the beginning of the year, parents come to learn about teachers’ expectations for homework, class schedule and curriculum.
Parent Questions and Concerns: Your questions and concerns are important, so it is critical that parents feel free to contact their child’s teacher when there are issues.
- When you want to discuss your child, the class, or the curriculum, please talk with your child’s teacher.
- Questions and concerns about school policies and implementation, teacher performance, or other serious matters should be brought to the principal, who will act upon them or will channel them to the appropriate person in the school. The principal will address your concerns as promptly as possible.
- Student placement is decided upon by administration and teacher input. The makeup of a class is a major factor in providing a quality education, and many factors must be considered in making these assignments.

Health and Safety

Illness: Students with symptoms of illness, such as vomiting, fever, excessive coughing, eye infections, etc. should not be sent to school.
Special Medical Needs: The school office is trained to administer simple first aid in case of an accident on the playground, but the school is not staffed with medical personnel.
Medications: All medications must be stored in the school office and accompanied by a physician’s prescription and labeled appropriately, unless otherwise noted by the physician.
Vaccines: An immunization record is required for every child prior to admittance to any school in California. Immunizations may be given by your physician. Your child can also go to a local clinic. If you would like assistance in locating a local clinic, please call the school office. For your convenience, you may use this Immunization Upload Form to upload vaccination records.

School Governance and Parent Involvement

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC): The School Site Council provides a partnership among the school board, administrators, parents, and community members. The School Site Council has the responsibility of planning and implementing a budget, and evaluating the School Improvement Plan. Members of the School Site Council are elected every year. This is one way of directly involving parents, teachers, and community members in conversations about their community school. This forum welcomes all parents to participate.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ELAC): The purpose of ELAC is threefold. First and foremost, through our ELAC meetings, parents begin to orient themselves to the California school system and Redwood City School District in particular and are given ongoing information so they may support their child’s schooling at home. Secondly, the parents are asked for their advice about the ways that the school may support their English learners and lastly, parents are informed of the school’s program to bring their children to proficiency in English.
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA): All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend our monthly meetings to learn how your involvement can make a difference to our students. There are numerous and varied volunteer opportunities available at all levels for parents and guardians. Your involvement can improve Henry Ford not just for your child, but also for all children. (We thank you, in advance, for joining us). Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month at 7 pm either in the Staff Room or via Zoom. Childcare is provided free of charge when meetings are held in-person.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS DURING SCHOOL HOURS: Classroom teachers, our librarian, and other school staff welcome parents, guardians, and grandparents to volunteer their time and/or expertise. All volunteers must fill out a Volunteer Form and submit proper documentation to the district office prior to volunteering. Volunteer Information from RCSD Redwood City School District (RCSD) welcomes volunteers and partners in a systematic process to ensure the health and safety of our students. Over many years, volunteers have provided assistance to our school programs and our collective efforts to educate our students in academic, social, and emotional opportunities.

Academic Programs and Support

WHAT I NEED (WIN): A block of time set aside three days per week for enrichment and intervention.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (ELD): Students who are designated English Learners are assessed at the beginning of the school year. Based on this assessment, students’ needs are met through classroom intervention and support through English Language Development groups.
ACCELERATED READING PROGRAM (AR): Accelerated Reader is a computer-based program used to monitor reading practices and progress. Teachers work with students to set obtainable goals. After reading each book, students are required to take a quiz to make sure they understood what they read.
STUDENT STUDY TEAM (SST): The Student Study Team is made up of parents, teachers, and administrators meeting to discuss concerns about academics and/or behavior of an individual child. The purpose of these meetings is to develop strategies at home and school to support children.
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SERVICES: Students identified with Speech and Language considerations receive specialized instruction in articulation and language skills by a Speech Therapist at the school site. The number of minutes of instruction per week is determined by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
RESOURCE SPECIALIST PROGRAM (RSP): Students identified with Specific Learning Disabilities and other learning differences receive specialized instruction from a Resource Specialist Teacher.

After School Programs

REDWOOD CITY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT (REACH): Henry Ford is able to offer a fee based after school program provided by the Park and Recreation Department’s program REACH. For Kindergarteners the program is held until 5:00 pm with post care available till 6:00pm. First through Fifth grade program after school until 5:30. The program provides homework help, recreational activities and enrichment.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER (Catalyst Kids): Catalyst Kids offers before, after school and summer care. The program operates on a fee basis with a sliding scale. The Child Development Center also offers a preschool program on site for three-year-olds and up. Please contact CDC directly for more information. Contact Site Director: Brianna Huss.
Henry Ford is fortunate to have so many after school programs. Just like during school, students are expected to be Respectful, Responsible and Safe.

Physical Education

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (P.E.+): All K-5 Henry Ford students receive at least 100 minutes of classes per week from PE+ through PCC. The curriculum is based on state standards and expectations. Students learn body mechanics, various games and rules, as well as basic physical conditioning. This program is supported by a Wellness grant from Sequoia Healthcare. Students should wear appropriate clothes and shoes for running, jumping, and particip…

Why Choose Henry Ford College?

Not everyone is convinced of the value of a college education. However, a college degree helps you earn about $1 million more during your lifetime than working without a degree. But the value is much more than that. Your choice of a college will change your life. It's an exciting decision, and there are so many reasons to choose Henry Ford College, the educational home for thousands of students each year. Your success is our success. Campus Safety is responsible for serving our community and supporting a safe, welcoming learning environment.

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