From Head of School
Stronger Together
Dear Clairbourn Families,
It was so good to have the students back at school expressing their natural joy, eagerness to learn, and compassion for one another. That is what community is all about. So many people have reached out to ask how they can help. Right now, we are working with CFA to coordinate efforts to help with very specific needs for our families, and the school has a Helping Hands Fund we have used over the years for these kinds of situations. You will read more about this fund in the CFA letter below.
Over the last week, I reached out to our families who are in the impacted area in addition to being in contact with alumni and former employees to see what our community needs. I am so grateful for the Clairbourn community’s desire to help, generosity, and support expressed. It makes it possible to offer support and comfort for those impacted. I am also actively engaged with the other Pasadena area schools who are all working together to support the schools that suffered loss.
On a practical note, at this time masks are optional, and we will continue to monitor the air quality and adjust if the situation changes.
Importantly, we are giving the students a sense of normalcy, predictability, and stability by keeping school as typical as possible, but we are also aware of the stress on some of the students (and employees) who had to evacuate or are displaced and have varying degrees of water, gas, power, and internet access. To help support the students, we are keeping the workload a little lighter and monitoring their stress levels to be sure they are all coping. We care about each of our families and want to hear from you if you have any needs.
Again, it was so good to hear the laughter of the children on campus and feel the outpouring of love from this community. Go Team Clairbourn!
Amy Patzlaff, Ed.D.
Head of School
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Clairbourn Families Association (CFA)
Together, we can ensure no family
feels alone as they rebuild and recover.
Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the recent windstorm and fires, especially our Clairbourn students and families who have lost so much. As a community that values compassion and togetherness, we are coming together to help those who are starting over—some from scratch—with essentials like clothing, school supplies, and comfort items. We know these are challenging times, but together we can make a meaningful difference. Here’s how you can help:
- Donate Gift Cards:
• Physical gift cards can be dropped off at the Front Office.
• Digital gift cards can be forwarded to Connie Kim who will ensure they reach all families in need.
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Contribute to Clairbourn’s Helping Hands Fund:This fund provides short-term emergency financial support for any member of the Clairbourn community, including students, families, teachers, and staff, who are experiencing hardship.
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Uniform Assistance:Families needing uniforms can access our used uniform supply for free. If you need assistance, please reach out to Summer Zhang. It is a perfect time to donate uniforms to help others.
 Currently, the families most affected are staying in temporary spaces. Let’s show them the strength of our Clairbourn community by rallying together and offering our support during this difficult time. If you are in need of help and would like to stay anonymous, please contact Dr. Patzlaff. Thank you for your generosity, compassion, and commitment to lifting up those in need.
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Clairbourn Students Showing Heart
The Student Council hosted a snack shop today to raise funds for the American Red Cross and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. Students from fourth and fifth grades were invited to participate in this event. It was nice for everyone to come together for this community effort. |
Operation Gratitude
Together, we can make a difference!
The fourth grade is excited to announce their service-learning project in support of the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the American Red Cross. As part of this initiative, they will be supporting the brave firemen in protecting our local communities and fire relief efforts.
 The fourth grade is inviting everyone to a restaurant fundraiser night at Blaze Pizza in Arcadia on Thursday, January 23, from 4 to 8 p.m. *** Please don’t forget to bring the fundraiser flyer with you as you need to show it to receive credit on your dinner purchase.
This is a great opportunity to enjoy some delicious pizza while coming together as a school community to support those affected by the local fires. Fourth grade hopes to see you there! Thank you for your support!
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Clairbourn Life
As we start out the new year, we are eager for new growth, new opportunities to learn and new possibilities. It is exciting to see what unfolds. Here's to another great year of growth and learning! Log in to Vidigami to view and download more photos! Please email Mrs. Zamora for Vidigami support.
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December Design Challenge
To celebrate the end of exams, the middle school students were challenged to Drop Everything & Build the tallest Christmas trees they could from construction paper and only 30 cm of tape. The students began by watching a short video to learn about the history of Christmas trees, and then the pairs of students got to work. Since the best decorations would be the tiebreaker in case two trees achieved the same height, students got creative by adding stars, drawing lights, and constructing other merry additions. All the advisory classes produced festive forests to celebrate the holiday season!
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Clairbourn students are making posters for local fire stations to thank them for their tremendous effort in keeping us safe from the windstorms, fires, and other hazards.
Student Council is also putting together a simple care kit of lip balm (e.g., chapstick, Burt's Bees) and eye drops (e.g., Systane, Refresh) for the firefighters.
If anyone wants to donate, we'll have a collection box at transportation until Tuesday, January 21.
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NO SCHOOL on Monday January 20 due to the holiday.
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1/17 All School Assembly, Free Dress and Parent Coffee
1/20 NO SCHOOL
1/21 Breakfast for Lunch Day
1/23 Taco Lunch Day
1/24 Free Dress
1/28 Habit Lunch Day
1/30 KFC Lunch Day
1/31 Clairbourn T-Shirt Day
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Look out for your giving statement
Thank you again for your support of Clairbourn School! Please look for an email next week from Joannes Rodriguez regarding your giving statement for 2024. If you have any questions or would like a statement of your giving for a different period, please contact Ms. Rodriguez.
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2024 Holiday Concert
The delightful voices of our JPK to fifth grade students melted our hearts at the Holiday Concert. Thank you also to our Middle School Clairbourn Band who delivered a joyful performance. It was such a heartwarming event to conclude 2024. Bravo to everyone involved! Special thank you to Ms. Kiertzner, Mr. Elmore and Mr. Morehouse and his team. Don't miss out on seeing this wonderful program by clicking here!
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Clairbourn Athletic Sideline Store
Check out the new Clairbourn Athletic Sideline Store! Show your Cougar spirit on and off the field with custom apparel and accessories for students, parents and fans. Be sure to check it out to stock up on your favorite Clairbourn gear!
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Clairbourn's Clarity Financial Aid application for the 2025 / 2026 school year is now available.
Clarity offers a streamlined and user-friendly application process and the application is available now. Please click here to review the details and follow instructions that fit your family's circumstances. Questions? Please contact Clarity support or call 206-210-3752. Feel free to reach out to Clairbourn Director of Business and Finance, Ms. Berge, at any time with questions.
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Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. played a key role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until 1968.
King sought equality and human rights for African Americans through peaceful protest. He was the driving force behind landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and is remembered each year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a U.S. federal holiday since 1986. (Source: The Nobel Prize)
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
Let his legacy of leadership and vision for humanity be an inspiration to us all! |
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