School News
Message to the School Community
Dear Clairbourn Family,
I am so proud of our community! The resilience, perseverance, and joy that you are exhibiting is wonderful. Please keep sharing your experiences with us, and please reach out if you are having challenges. We are one big Clairbourn Family, and we are all here for each other.
As the COVID-19 guidance evolves, the Clairbourn administration continues to monitor the advice coming from appointed officials. The governor announced the Safer at Home order is extended to May 15. It may be extended further or may be lifted at that point. If it is lifted, all indications point to a gradual transition back to a normal experience.
With health and safety motivating our decisions, Clairbourn has decided that we will remain in a remote learning mode through the end of the school year. We do not make this decision lightly. All on campus events scheduled to take place before May 15 need to be canceled including our Spring Program and Carnival. We know that this is one of the signature events of the year and students and parents alike will be disappointed, but we also know that health and safety of the community is far more important than almost anything else.
This week would have been our standardized testing week. As the name suggests, a standard environment and delivery of the test is required in order to have valid results. Because this is not possible in the remote learning environment, we are not testing this year. We are grateful to have strong relationships with the local high schools and were able to confirm with each of them that skipping the ERB tests this year will not be a problem for high school admissions. They assure us that each student is much more than a single test score and missing one year of tests will not be an issue for them at all.
One of the biggest questions about the end of the year is about our graduation and awards ceremonies. At this time, we are taking steps to plan for virtual ceremonies while also holding out hope that we may be able to hold physical ceremonies of some sort on our campus if it is deemed advisable and safe. Please know our goal is to honor and celebrate our graduates in the most thoughtful and festive way possible. We have several ideas that we are working on, and we will share these ideas as we get closer to the time.
As part of the online parent coffees this week, I noticed that some of the families are feeling overwhelmed and some are finding themselves feeling fatigued. People seemed to think that this new adventure could be fun and were making the best of it. Now, several weeks in, some people are realizing that this is going to last longer than they first thought and aren’t sure how to feel about it. Some are finding themselves sad, tired, irritable, and worn. Others seem to have found their new groove and are doing just fine. All of them are feeling immense gratitude and respect for the teachers in all they are doing.
The main message I have for you is, be patient and gentle with yourselves and others, adjust what isn’t working, focus on what is truly important, set priorities that make sense for you and your family, and communicate with us if you need help. We need to settle into a routine that is sustainable and not something that will add stress or fatigue. If any community can do this and make the best out of this adventure, we can!
Amy Patzlaff, Ed.D.
Head of School
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Retake the Survey
 Now that we are in the second week of Remote Learning, you may have additional feedback and suggestions. We are leaving this survey open so you can add to it at any time. Retake the Survey |
Sign Up for Online
After-School Classes
Parker-Anderson Class Offerings:
Sign-ups are happening now! The enrollment deadline is Thursday, April 23. To enroll, please visit us at www.Parker-Anderson.org (Choose the Los Angeles online academy location). All classes will be held online, using the Zoom platform. Links and passwords will be sent via email. Classes will be cancelled if minimum enrollment is not met.
 Spy Kids: Secret Agents! Grades K-5Take fingerprints, decode messages, search for clues, go on a scavenger hunt and decipher our Escape Room! Explore the fascinating world of solving mysteries and develop observation and reasoning skills! Every student also receives an ID Badge and detective kit! Mondays - 4/27, 5/04, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25 | Time - 3:00 - 3:45 | Cost: $63 | Enroll
 Green Science Workshop! Grades K-5Gain knowledge of alternative energy sources like Wind, Water, and Solar power as you build windmills, solar boats, hydro-cars, and more! Tuesdays - 4/28, 5/05, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26 | Time: 3:00 - 3:45 pm | Cost: $63 | Enroll
 Kids Dance Studio! Pre-K to Grade 5Kids Dance Studio provides a freedom of movement in a fun atmosphere. With exciting dance steps and challenging combinations, children learn to control & coordinate their bodies while working together to produce entertaining, choreographed routines! Wednesday - 4/29, 5/06, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27 | Time: 3:00 - 3:45 pm | Cost: $63 | Enroll
 Critter Squad: Online Safari! Pre-K to Grade 5Let your child go "Zoo Wild" with this experience unlike any other! Students will explore animals and reptiles of all shapes, sizes and colors as we bring our online safari to their homes. Don’t miss out on this incredible animal experience! Thursdays 4/30, 5/07, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28 | Time: 3:00 - 3:45 pm | Cost: $63 | Enroll
 Chess Club! Grades K-5Introduce your student to chess in a fun and exciting way! We teach students to succeed in school by stimulating their problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Includes booklets and worksheets. Win certificates, medals, and trophies! Fridays - 5/01, 5/08, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29 | Time: 3:00 - 3:45 pm | Cost: $63 | Enroll
LIFT Enrichment Virtual Cooking Class
.jpg) Kids Can CookYour child can learn to make healthy and delicious Mexican foods in this LIVE online cooking class with our Chef Teachers. Engaging and interactive, our chefs will show your kids how to cook each recipe and teach them health, nutrition, culture and one culinary skill to master.
Classes start Tues. and Wed. 4/21 and 4/22
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Staff Passion Talks
The Passion Talk series, given by staff members at our regular Friday Morning Assemblies, resumes this week with Administrative Assistant Jeanette Zamora. In the following two-minute talk, she shares her love of collectible wooden music boxes.
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Good Ideas
Not One Sock Left Behind! How Kids Can Help at Home
 Now that our students are spending all of their time at home due to COVID-19 sheltering in place, many of our parents are feeling like full-time maids on top of their overwhelming normal responsibilities. Lack of help from family members in tidying-up can lead to a breakdown in morale among family members when some don’t do their fair share. But the good news is, learning to help is part of each student’s character education and it is part of building up their inner sense of purpose and value.
Dr. Robert Myers from the Child Development Institute published an insightful article last year called, “ The Reason Children Should Do Chores is Because it’s Good for Them.” He wants parents to know that, “Giving children chores can make them feel wanted, teach important life skills, and help ease the workload for parents. Recent studies have found that giving children chores from an early age will help teach them work ethic, responsibility, self-reliance, and other vital life skills.” Read the Full Article
Remote Socializing Ideas for Students
 Do your children feel awkward when they are attempting to socialize online and they run out of things to say to each other? Planned activities can change everything! Some recent ideas shared by our parents include letting classmates have lunch or complete homework together. Some parents are also scheduling game nights! Here are some games that can work well online. Simple Socializing Games:
Use an App:
You can also try the HouseParty app for up to 8 Players. The game section includes Heads Up!, Trivia, Quick Draw, and Chips and Guac!
More Challenging Games:
Catherine Newman wrote an article for the New York Times called, “ Classic Board Games With a Touch of Tech - How to use video conferencing to play traditional, real-life board games with people who are sheltering in different places.” Here are her main recommendations:
Boggle - Max players: 8
Requirements:
-A video conferencing platform.
-One person with the actual game as well as a secondary device to text photos of the letter arrangements to the other players.
Battleship - Max players: 2 Requirements:-A video conferencing platform. -Both players need the actual game OR they can download these printable game sheets and play using pen and paper.
Yahtzee - Max players: 6 Requirements:-A video conferencing platform. -Every player needs the game unless you have 5 dice and these printable player sheets. -A small box for rolling and containing the dice so you can show what you’ve rolled on camera.
Bananagrams - Max players: 8
Requirements:
-A video conferencing platform.
-Every player needs the game, but Scrabble tiles can be used to play a close version of the game.
-Review the rules and make slight adjustments to elements that won’t work remotely.
Pictionary - Max players: 8 Requirements:-A video conferencing platform. -Thick markers and paper. -One player needs the game OR you can use this word-generator. -Review the rules and make slight adjustments to elements that won’t work remotely.
Monopoly - Max players: 8
Requirements:
-A video conferencing platform.
-Every player needs the game.
-Works better if additional cell phones are connected to the meeting to show the individual boards.
-Tip: Mirror the moves of the other players on your own board to track game status.
Virtual Travel Experiences
AirPano Virtual Travel:
Need to get out of the house? Your body has to stay behind, but your mind can enjoy viewing about 3,000 panoramas of more than 300 places on Earth, including the North Pole, the Antarctic, and even panoramas from the stratosphere. View the Northern Lights, Sahara Desert, Neuschwanstein Castle, Icebergs of Greenland, Volcano Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Huangshan Mountains, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, and so much more! New panoramas are posted each week at www.AirPano.com.
Google Earth Virtual Travel:
Use the Google Earth tool to move around these famous sites.
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Picture Books & Patzlaff
Storytime Videos for Our Youngest Students
NEW STORIES THIS WEEK! It's storytime with Dr. Patzlaff! She'll be sharing two new picture books in each upcoming eCourier issue to stay connected with our littlest cougars. So pull up a comfy chair, get your blanky, and get ready for Picture Books and Patzlaff!
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Student Activities
Bucket Filling & Good Deeds
Head of School Dr. Amy Patzlaff wants to hear from you about students accomplishments and how they are finding ways to fill the emotional buckets of others. Let us know by emailing Nancy Ward at nward@clairbourn.org with the details including a photo or video if you have one.
Harper Demonstrates the Chalk Obstacle CourseHarper J. in Kindergarten created a chalk obstacle course on her neighborhood sidewalk so that other kids in the area could have an enjoyable activity. The family also created a second Easter-themed course, and the mailman even joined in on the fun with their family. Way to go Harper!
Heath W. in Grade 4 has been busy filling hand sanitizer orders through his company's website to help keep people safe. Feeling fortunate to have what he needs during this time, Heath wanted to give back by making a monthly donation to nokidhungry.org to help kids get the nourishment they need to thrive. (Several years ago, at the age of four, Heath started a student-run business at Clairbourn's Entrepreneurial Fair called HeathMadeLA which sells sanitzers, lotions, balms, and deodorants, and other wellness products. Heath continues to grow this business and expand his entrepreneurial skills.
During this time of Remote Learning, is your student accomplishing something cool? Let us know by emailing Nancy Ward at nward@clairbourn.org with the details including a photo or video if you have one.
2nd-grader Elliot C. and 4th-grader Wesley C., along with their dad, during the time of social distancing at home, played Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida,” which means “Long live life.”
Austin H. in Grade 8, tried something new and competed in an online speech tournament as part of the Kudo's Academy Speech and Debate Team. The event was the 2020 SCJFL (Southern California Junior Forensics League) 4th Quarter Debate Tournament held online. Austin learned a lot from his experience. He learned that competing at home has more distractions which can affect performance and focus. He also realized that the business attire dress code includes shoes (he forgot he was still wearing slippers on camera). On the plus side, he was allowed to record his performance (which is not usually permitted) and this will allow him to make improvements in the future. Also, while sheltering in place at home, Austin has aquired other new skills. He helped his dad with home-improvement projects and learned to use a lot of handy tools. He also learned to help make breakfast, how to clean the house, and how to do laundry. Way to go Austin!
Kevin Z. in Grade 8, while sheltering at home, participated in one of his most beloved activities--debate! On Saturday, April 11, he joined Austin H. in competing in the 2020 SCJFL (Southern California Junior Forensics League) 4th Quarter Debate Tournament online. Kevin broke into the semifinals and won the 3rd Place Top Speaker Award on the topic of Lincoln Douglas. Way to go Kevin!
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Smile Boosters
Do you have a favorite family-friendly and smile-inducing video or photo to share wthat will boost everyone's spirits? Please email Nancy Ward at nward@clairbourn.org.
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eCourier Archive
Access our previous eCourier issues:
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Morning Messages
Don't miss out on the Morning Assembly Messages that are part of our Character Education Program.
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Post Your Pics of Remote Learning
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Student Greeting Poster
Seven additional staff members were added to the Student Greeting Poster this week! We all miss your smiling faces, your Cougar spirit, and your hugs.
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 COVID-19 Reflections: Alum Mei-Tung Chen
Mei-Tung Chen, from the Class of 2017, is currently a junior at Flintridge Preparatory School. Not only is she passionate about math and science, but she is also huge fan of literature—an enthusiasm first nurtured at Clairbourn. Her interest in writing is most evident in her role as the Editor-in-Chief of the satire literary magazine at Prep called The Yell at Prep. In the following interview, we caught up with Mei-Tung to ask about her reflections on this period of social distancing. Read the Full Interview
Alum Christian Yeghnazar, Social Entrepreneur Paving the Way for Change
I am extremely passionate about entrepreneurship. At USC, I’m currently the President of the Entrepreneurship Group. After college, I plan to start my own company. Clairbourn taught me to think creatively and think of new approaches to existing problems—whether you’re looking at a math problem or writing an English essay. That was ingrained in me at a young age and has helped me do the things that I do now. It all started at Clairbourn. These are valuable skills that have translated and can be applied to a whole gamut of different life experiences. Read the Full Article |
Don't Miss Music From The Met!
LIVE on Saturday, 4/25/20, at 10am PST
live and on demand afterwards until 3:30pm PST the following day. |
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Build Your Child's Personal Library!
Amazon is offering free copies of their 100 best-selling Childrens books. Check it Out |
COMMUNITY CARE GUIDE
Edutainment on Youtube
Pure Amusement
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