Head of School Update
Black History Month & COVID Updates
Dear Clairbourn Families,
First a big shoutout to the Student Council who is helping us celebrate Black History Month. They are spotlighting two individuals each week, one from the past and one current.
Thanks to Student Council for showing a variety of contributions to our world from the Black community. They did the same for Hispanic Heritage Month, and it was enriching to learn more about individuals from that community as well. Way to go Student Council and their advisors, Mrs. Corwin and Ms. Vinnedge!
We are watching the COVID-19 numbers drop in our area and will be bringing back middle school students for outdoor conditioning activities soon. Surveys have already been sent out to those families, and we are structuring the schedule based on the volume of students who are interested. All of the protocols will be followed and the cohorting size maintained. Next we are going to be sending out a survey to the Preschool and K-2 families to re-evaluate their comfort level and interest in coming on campus when the numbers drop to the point when our waiver can be used.
As we messaged previously, the activities on campus for Grades 1-8 will focus on social emotional learning. This will allow students to see each other but won't jeopardize the continuity of the academic program which will remain online for our Grade 1-8 students. Maintaining the academic program online allows us to preserve a high quality and consistent experience for all students—both those who need to stay at home and those who want to come to campus. Watch for these surveys coming to your email inbox in the near future.
Amy Patzlaff, Ed.D.
Head of School
Clairbourn Ensemble Honors Composer
Strings Teacher Ms. Mize, along with the help of Head of School Assistant Jeanette Zamora, delighted music students in the Clairbourn Ensemble with Mozart Week treat boxes to mark the January 27 birthday of the famous classical composer. The most famous annual Mozart celebration takes place in Salzburg, Austria, with a music festival devoted entirely to his works. What a way to make musical studies even more meaningful!
Seventh-Graders Rank 7th at NSB Regionals
Congratulations go to Clairbourn seventh-graders Nick N., Team Captain Michael Y., James T., and William B., who claimed a top-10 spot to rank 7th in the National Science Bowl Middle School Regionals. This is quite an achievement for first-time participants!
The National Science Bowl is a nationwide academic competition that tests students’ knowledge in all areas of mathematics and science, and it is sponsored by the Department of Energy.
These middle-schoolers joined the online competition with a little apprehension as they were up against schools like Harvard Westlake, (Elon Musk's) Astra Nova, Science Academy STEM Magnet, and last year's winner Suzanne Middle School (and these schools fielded two teams with many of them packed with eighth-graders)!
After four months of preparation, under the guidance of volunteer coach Dr. Patrick Toche, along with intensive
weekly drills with high school volunteers and constant support from dedicated parents, the team competed in three
matches. They answered questions in fields as diverse as Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Math.
Within 7 seconds, one team member had to decide whether to raise a hand and answer questions like, "What is the largest unit of time on the geologic time scale?" You have to be quick to respond as one small hesitation means no points!
With this strong start under their belts, the team has adamantly expressed, "We'll be back next year as eighth-graders! We'll be more experienced and more confident. We also hope next year's seventh-graders will enter a second Clairbourn team. Go Cougars! We love the thrill!"
Join in These Upcoming Activities
It's time to get excited about CFA's next Restaurant Fundraiser! Please plan to order food from Panda Express on February 17 (available all day). Clairbourn will receive 28% of all sales. Be sure to share this fundraising opportunity with your friends and family.
How to Order:
Use the link below to place an online order for pick-up or delivery at ANY Panda Express location nationwide.
Order Link
(For online orders only, apply coupon code 901845 in the box during checkout or through the Panda Express App.)
Have Questions? Please contact Dana Lee Wong at danalee168@gmail.com.
Don't Miss the CFA's Virtual Magic Show for Grades K-2! This 30-minute interactive magic show is sure to have your kids laughing in amazement, and it's a great opportunity to give them some virtual magic fun with their classmates.
When: Sunday, February 21 at 2pm.
Buying Your Spot: Visit the Clairbourn Store to reserve and buy your spot by Thurs., Feb. 18.
Important: When ordering, please write your child’s name, grade, and the email address for receiving the Zoom link in the comment section.
Enter Now for Pics, Points, and Prizes!
Please participate in Student Council’s Operation Picture Project! There is still time to post your Hat Day and Pajama Day pics in Vidigami. Do it before 12 noon this Friday to be part of the judged entries.
Pajama Day Picture Folder on Vidigami
More Info:
This year the Student Council isn't able to take photos of students at school, so we decided to start Operation Picture Project. Students and parents can take pictures related to "Theme Days" and submit them on Vidigami. Students will receive one point for submitting a picture.
Extra Points: Every theme day, judges will pick three winners who will receive extra points!
Get Prizes: Students can get prizes with their points (details will be shared later on). The more you post photos, the more fun you'll have!
When to Submit "Theme Day" Pics: More theme days will be announced soon. Be sure to post your pics on the actual theme days so you don't miss out.
When Does it End? Operation Picture Project will end on March 12 when third quarter ends.
Annual Fund Donations
Only 5 Days to Reach 100% Giving Goal
There are five days remaining to reach our goal of 100% participation in the Annual Fund. Let's show the strength of the Clairbourn Community with a powerful participation rate!
Your Annual Fund Gift, at any amount, is what counts!
Please donate by February 8th.
Your donation is also tax deductible.
________________________________
Annual Fund Donation Levels To Consider:
Life Benefactor - $20,000 and Up
President Circle - $10,000 - $19,999
Founder Circle - $5,000 - $9,999
Trustee Circle - $2,500 - $4,999
Head of School Circle - $1,000 - $2,499
Cougar Circle – Up to $999
________________________________
JPK – 75% Participation
PK – 67% Participation
Kindergarten – 96% Participation
1st Grade – 76% Participation
2nd Grade – 80% Participation
3rd Grade – 78% Participation
4th Grade – 54% Participation
5th Grade – 47% Participation
6th Grade – 58% Participation
7th Grade – 52% Participation
8th Grade – 58% Participation
Faculty/Staff – 97% Participation
Board of Trustees - 100% Participation
Donate Online
Mailing a check?
Please make it payable to "Clairbourn School."
Morning Assembly
Catch up On Morning Assembly Messages
|
| | | To translate this text, use the Google Translate dropdown menu at the top of this page. |
Thoughts on Leadership:
Reluctant to take on leadership roles? According to several Harvard Business Review studies, many people avoid leadership positions due to fear of peer backlash, the fear of developing a negative image, and the fear of being blamed for project failure.
As part of the HBR study, they found that those fears can be overcome when leadership skills are built up in a low-stakes, supportive environment.
When budding leaders have help with learning conflict resolution, developing a leadership style, and employing collaboration tools, "...they will be more prepared to take on higher-risk opportunities without fear of failure."
So, encourage your child to take advantage of classroom leadership roles, spearhead service activities, and run for student government opportunities. Clairbourn is ready to help them get off to a good start as an effective, fearless leader!
Clairbourn is "Creating Scholars and Leaders with Heart!" |
Black History Month Coverage
See who is featured!
This week in the Wednesday Morning Assembly message (viewable at the end of this eCourier newsletter), the Student Council celebrates the achievements of Pasadena's own baseball superstar Jackie Robinson and world-famous recording artist Beyoncé Knowles.
Jackie Robinson Facts:
-First African American to play in Major League Baseball
-Rookie of the Year in 1947
-All-Star, 1949 to 1954
-1949 National League MVP
-Player in 6 World Series games
-Helped the Dodgers win the 1955 World Series
-The uniform number 42 is retired among major league teams to honor him
-He advanced civil rights
-He is admired for his character and practice of non-violence
-He was the first Black television analyst in MLB
-He was the first Black vice president of a major American corporation
Beyoncé Knowles Facts:
-She is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer
-She is one of the best-selling recording artists in the entire world
-She is the highest earning Black musician in history
-6 of her solo albums debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart
-She has 24 Grammys
-She made Time's "100 Most Influential People in the World" list two years in a row
-She has her own entertainment company
-She has a fashion line
-She is known for her philanthropy
-She is a co-founder of Chime for Change empowering women and girls
|
Staying Healthy: 5 Free Things
Need some easy activities to increase health and wellness? According to " Time Smart" author Ashley Whillans, "valuing time over money — even for just a few minutes a day — leads to an increase in happiness and well-being." Here are her top five activities to feel better fast.
1. Organize Your Errands
(Actionable, small steps
reduce stress and help
get things done.)
2. Message Someone Important To You
(That moment of connection will give you and your loved one a shared emotional lift.)
3. Check Vacation Days
(Vacations reduce stress and increase happiness and
checking your days available will inspire you to plan
your next adventure.)
4. Watch Relaxing Nature Videos
(A 2017 study indicated that the BBC show “Planet Earth II” gave viewers an increased feeling of contentedness, joy, amusement, and curiosity.)
5. Write in a Journal
(This is a proven way to reduce stress, cope with depression, and manage anxiety.)
|
Feed Your Face With Fair Food!
Get your free tickets to experience a drive-thru Fair Food Festival coming to Pasadena's Rose Bowl (Lot K). It starts Feb. 5 and runs through Feb. 28.
Try BBQ treats from an 18-wheeler grill or dishes like deep-fried Twinkies, Krispy Kreme Cheeseburgers, roasted corn and Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Bowls!
Rules: They only take credit cards, masks must be worn when ordering, and there is no on-site eating allowed (just pick-up and go).
Hours:
5-10 p.m. on Fridays, and 12 noon-10p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays (Closed on Feb. 7, Super Bowl Sunday)
|
Student Accomplishments
Send in your student updates! Did your student win an award, learn a new skill, make something cool, have an adventure, or do a service project? We'd love to post it in the eCourier!
with the details including a photo or video if you have one.
|
Computer Support
If you need technical help for CougarNet or device help, contact our computer teacher Mr. Barker. pbarker@clairbourn.org |
Community Support
Check out our COVID-19 Resources Page designed to help kids keep busy, families stay healthy, and parents be supported. |
Stay Connected
Follow us on these social media accounts.
|
Reviews Count!
Would you recommend Clairbourn to a friend? If so, be sure to review us on one of these sites.
|
|
