School News
Message To The School Community
Dear Clairbourn Family,
I hope everyone is doing well and is finding ways to recharge and take care of yourselves. It can be tricky. I saw this picture recently, and it seems to help illustrate the current situation. Really, it illustrates a lot of situations, even in “normal” times. You never know how people are experiencing their world, since often the struggles and challenges are invisible.
Another thing that this photo reminds me of, is that even if we are going through the same thing in a different way, it helps if we are with someone. I have talked to many parents who have felt isolated and are struggling. I have heard from others who are not feeling isolated because they are communicating with small groups of friends who allow them to vent or celebrate, or just be. These communications take the form of texts, emails, phone calls, video conferences, or even a letter. If you are feeling alone, please reach out and make a connection. It makes a big difference, and isn’t that what community is all about?
I have been impressed with the way the students have come together and figured out ways to connect. I have heard of online study sessions where 3-5 students get together to do homework. Each doing their own work, but they just sit WITH each other to be there if a question comes up. I have also heard of students connecting over lunch or art projects or games. All of these are great ways to maintain that sense of community. The same holds true for parents. Virtual happy hours, teas, lunches, or walks have been happening as time allows.
It seems our groups tend to be smaller in these times, but the connections are even more important and sometimes become deeper because of the challenge. I am proud of this community and am grateful to be part of it!
Amy Patzlaff, Ed.D.
Head of School
Wagons Ho! Third-Graders Prepare To Hit The Oregon Trail
Third-graders were surprised this week with a virtual class adventure! On Tuesday, each student received a provision box and note from "Dusty" their trail guide (a.k.a. Teacher Mrs. Ward) informing them that the wagon train to Oregon is fixin' to leave in two-day's time and they need to get ready! The provision box held Dusty's note, a model wagon kit with glue, a harmonica, beef jerky, a bandana, some games from that time period, and a journal to help them record their soon-to-be announced historical pioneer identities.
In previous years, the students would recreate the historical lives of the early American pioneers by dressing up in the clothing of the times, forming family units, making paper wagons, and having adventures around campus that mimic the real journey and daily activities of the Oregon Trail settlers. With some clever modifications, the activity is now adapted to a remote-learning format. Stay tuned for more updates as the adventure unfolds over the next few weeks.
5th Grade Keeps Their Connections Strong
Parent Dana Lee Wong shared the following news with Clairbourn this week: “After a successful zoom call of 10 parents, one person suggested a drive-by gathering. Our host invited us to drive into their driveway and had socially distanced refreshments for the kids and parents. Everyone acted responsibly and everyone was happy to see each other. We even received a goody bag of a box of masks! More Zoom calls & drive-bys are planned for the future.
PE Obstacle Course Contest
Students in Grades 5-8 were given a PE assignment to create an At-Home Obstacle Course. To add more excitment, the assignment was also a contest. PE teachers Mrs. DeVasto and Mr. Ball chose the winners based on their creativity, constant or variety of movement, number and variety of obstacles, use of equipment, and their effort put into the project. Watch the video below to see some of their creative courses.
Overall Top Obstacle Course: Ashby Z.’s Grocery Run
Boys Winners:
4th Grade: Akira T.
5th Grade: Arthur Z.
6th Grade: Marcel Z.
7th Grade: Evan B.
8th Grade: Matt C.
Girls Winners:
5th Grade: Syrah M.
7th Grade: Natalie A., Parisa B., Vanessa H., Ashby Z.
8th Grade: Madison B., Cyanne J.
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CFA News
Do You Need CFA Reimbursements?
If you have any expenses for CFA that you need reimbursed please submit them to Miwa Takayanagi by June 15.
End Of The Year Teacher Gifts
At the end of each school year, CFA organizes a gift-card drive to make it easier for parents to show their appreciation. The Teacher Appreciation Group Gift Card Program allows you to participate in a class gift for your children's teachers. It also allows you to acknowledge other members of the Clairbourn community who interact with your children outside the classroom.
This year, we are giving Clairbourn faculty and staff Amazon gift cards, and families can contribute toward the purchase of those cards. The gift card will be distributed directly to the teachers at the end of May. Click here to purchase. Deadline: Friday, May 15. Questions: Connie Kim
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Student News
Announcing High School Acceptances
Congratulations to our graduating eighth-grade students who have been accepted into and plan to attend the following high schools.
Barreau, Madison - Los Angeles County High School for the Arts
Bu, Emily - La Salle College Preparatory
Chang, Kyle - St. Francis High School
Chen, Jenny - Mayfield Senior School
Chen, Matthew - Flintridge Preparatory School
Chiu, Aidan - La Salle College Preparatory
Drazic, Leah - Monrovia High School
Echemendia, Zaria - Flintridge Preparatory School
Espinoza, Thomas - La Salle College Preparatory
Gokgoz, Sophia - La Salle College Preparatory
Ho, William - Campbell Hall
Hong, Austin - Flintridge Preparatory School
Jones, Cyanne - Polytechnic School
Lopez, Alexander - St. Francis High School
Marshall, Raymond - La Salle College Preparatory
Pavel, Andrew - La Salle College Preparatory
Plummer, Roxy - Moving to Oregon
Reiling, Matthew - Flintridge Preparatory School
Sheng, Kaylie - Flintridge Preparatory School
Tian, Raymond - La Salle College Preparatory
Tseng, Jaleen - Flintridge Preparatory School
Waite, Wendy - Mayfield Senior School
Zhang, Barbie - La Salle College Preparatory
Zhang, Kevin - Flintridge Preparatory School
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Caring For Our Families
The Balancing Strategy Of Brain Breaks
Thanks to the pandemic, screen time is dominating our lives right now, which means balancing strategies are needed to ensure we aren’t always plugged-in. Clairbourn School teachers are great at this. Even in traditional school, our teachers help students find balance so they stay productive. Cara Barker’s middle school classes (featured in the video below) are a great example of using the “brain breaks” strategy to make sure students stay healthy, productive, and focused—and this is something everyone can easily do at home to recharge and rebalance their minds and bodies. Read The Full Blog Post Here
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Good Ideas
Graduating Wisdom For The Class Of 2020
The "Some Good News" show with John Krasinski, also known as SGN, held a virtual graduation ceremony for all Class of 2020 graduates anywhere to enjoy. Celebrity speakers included Oprah, Steven Spielberg, Malala, and John Stewart who each answered one question from selected graduates. Check out this video to catch their full responses or read the following key excerpts below.
Steven Spielberg answers, “How do you still follow your dreams when it feels like the world isn’t so supportive of them?”
 “Well you know, dreams are a great test because a dream is going to test your resolve.... A real dream is something that not only hangs on to you, but you hang on to it. If we are in service of our dreams, vs. our dreams being in service to us, it becomes something greater and allows us to be game, and allows us to get over our fear, and to go forward no matter what obstacles are thrown in our path. I know this is a time of huge loss, but it is also a chance to dream big about our futures together. When you finally hit on something that really means something to you, that is something that stays with you for the rest of your life.”
Malala answers, “If you could tell your younger self one thing what would it be?”
“I would just tell myself that believe in your voice, continue speaking, and don’t give up. Society tries to define us and tries to limit us so I would say just do not listen to that. Ignore all of that and believe in yourself, and continue what you strongly believe in and in what you want to do.”
Oprah answers, “Think about a time in your life that felt like a low point at the moment but actually changed everything.”
“There have been several times in my life where things didn’t go the way I wanted. I was 22, I got this big job working in television as an anchor on the news in Baltimore....by April 1, 1977, I’m being called in by the bosses and told that I am no longer going to be needed.... I get demoted. I am humiliated, I am embarrassed. What they did was, instead of firing me, [they] put me on the local talk show. I believe that failure is an opportunity to move yourself in a different direction. Maya Angelou used to say to me all the time, ‘Baby, God put a rainbow in the clouds.’
John Stewart answers, “My question as a graduate is, now what? Other than getting out there and going for it…what now?”
 “You are about to enter into a world where....no one is grading you.... Stop completing things and start living them. You have no idea what is about to come at you, and man, isn’t that the beautiful part of it. The one piece of advice I would give you is, embrace that. I am the captain of my own ship and I will write this story. Learn from each opportunity that you have. Let no opportunity be too small for your time. And let no opportunity be too big for your possibilities.”
Virtual Commencement Speeches For Class Of 2020
Barack and Michelle Obama are delivering virtual commencement speeches for graduating students in a YouTube special on June 6, 2020, called Dear Class of 2020. This virtual commencement celebration will also feature special appearances from Malala Yousafzai, BTS, Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Alphabet CEO Sundar Piachi, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and many more. RSVP for the event here.
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Inspiration From Alumni
Alumni Legacy Family: Anne Gifford Ewing, Class of 1992 - Trusts and Estate Lawyer
 Possessing an Audrey Hepburn elegance coupled with the intelligence of Madeleine Albright, Anne Gifford Ewing from the Class of 1992 speaks with an arresting precision and poise. One could point to her training and current profession as a trusts and estates lawyer as the key ingredient for her competence as a wordsmith. One could also note her passion for literature, writing, foreign language, history, music, and theater as influential in shaping her career interests and encouraging her to lead a reflective and well-examined life. While all of these factors played integral roles in honing Anne’s skills, what stands out the most is her time at Clairbourn, which laid the foundation for her future and cultivated a love of learning. Read The Full Interview
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Picture Books
Storytime Videos For Our Youngest Students
NEW STORIES THIS WEEK from Dr. Patzlaff. Pull up a comfy chair and get ready for Picture Books!
The Perfect Time For Creative Mashups!
If you love reading Dr. Seuss books to your children, letting the rhythm and rhymes of the language dance off of your tongue, get ready for the next-level experience YouTuber Wes Tank created by layering in Dr. Dre hip-hop beats over some of your favorite Seuss books. Check out the full story here, and let the sample video below inspire your own creative projects at home.
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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! Email Noelle Shoemake at nshoemake@clairbourn.org with the details including a photo or video if you have one.
Atticus G. Acts In A New Commercial
First-grader Atticus G. is a child model and actor, and he has walked in runway shows, starred in movies, been featured in magazines, and has received many awards. This past February, Atticus acted in a commercial for Doctor's Best Vitamins. The commercial was just released to the public a couple days ago. Watch the video below!
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Smile Booster
"Bolero Juilliard" Performance
Over 100 Juilliard students and alumni came together to create a passion-filled short film. Read more about the creation of 'Bolero Juilliard' and watch the incredible video below.
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 Need Remote Learning Technical Support?
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Morning Messages
Morning Assembly Messages for Student's Character Education.
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Remote Learning Parent Survey
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Need A Morale Boost? Help Is Right At Home
Clairbourn School students already know a lot about doing good deeds and alleviating distress in the community, and many of them are supporting healthcare workers and first-responders. But there is now a new frontline in the larger battle which is our very own doorsteps. These times call for a deeper level of service to precious family members who we often take for granted. The need of the hour is to make family care and balance a priority.
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Help Teens Handle the Loss of Proms and Graduations
Greater Good Magazine, offering "Science-based insights for a meaningful life," published this article designed to coach adults on how they can help teens feel better about the loss of the ceremonies and celebrations that were supposed to mark their progress, accomplishments, and transition into the next important stage of their lives. The following four empathy tools can help teens grieve their losses, provide perspective, and help move them forward.
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Alum Nina Luo, Technologist and Humanitarian
A deep thinker, with a thirst for knowledge and an agent of change, Nina Luo from the Class of 2018 is determined to improve our world through journalism and technology. Her motivation, which was nurtured and shaped at Clairbourn school, is to help others and save lives.
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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
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Community Care Guide/Resources
Due to its growing size, the Community Care Guide has moved and is now accessible from the Clairbourn homepage. More links to helpful information are added every week. New Guide Location
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Post Your Pics of Remote Learning
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