From the Head of School
Celebrating Growth, Honoring Legacy,
and Building the Future
Dear Clairbourn Families,
As we wrap up another wonderful year, I couldn't be more proud of the achievements of our students. They have worked hard and accomplished so much. Just look at the growth and progress! We are now in celebration mode, wishing our Class of 2025 all the best and sending them on to their next great adventures in high school. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Looking ahead to next year is also exciting. The 25-26 school year will be Clairbourn's 100th year! We will be celebrating the wonderful history of our school and marking the centennial with joyful events and pride in our success. As part of this celebration, I am pleased to announce our newest project to launch Clairbourn into our next 100 years!
Our current middle school building has faithfully served Clairbourn students for decades. However, it now faces challenges that could limit our ability to provide the dynamic, high-quality learning environment our students deserve.
After extensive research and planning, we have determined that a new middle school building is essential to fully support our evolving educational goals and commitment to academic excellence.
 To make this vision a reality, Clairbourn is launching a $12 million capital campaign. I’m thrilled to share that, thanks to lead support from families in our community, we have already raised more than $5 million to jumpstart this important project. In the next school year, we will be reaching out to the entire Clairbourn community, past and present families, to help us reach our goal. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the capital project before August, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
With our centennial on the horizon, we cannot imagine a more exciting time to be part of Clairbourn! Have a wonderful summer and remember, we are Scholars and Leaders with Heart.
Amy Patzlaff, Ed.D.
Head of School
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Eighth Grade Speeches
Eighth-grade students have been sharing their remembrance speeches during Morning Assembly. Read their heart-felt speeches about the growth they have experienced, the memories they have made, and the overall impact Clairbourn has had in their lives.
My Community
Good morning, teachers, staff, parents, and my fellow Cougars. My name is Arissa Xu, and I am part of the Class of 2025. Recently, I have been reflecting on my time at Clairbourn School, especially my last two years here. Middle school is like trying to sail a boat where the journey is unpredictable. And when I stepped on this boat, I didn’t know the ropes. But the friends I’ve made, the teachers who challenged me, and the values I’ve learned at Clairbourn, like unity, respect, and citizenship, helped us work together to sail that boat to our next destination.
Never Judge a Book by Its Cover
When I first came here in kindergarten, this school seemed like a scary place for me. Before I was here, I was in a daycare, which was an extremely small environment, and seeing this new big environment scared me a lot. However, once I started to experience this school, I realized that it was just like my daycare, and it quickly felt like my new home. This still impacts today as I am leaving this school for high school, and it will continue to impact me when I leave high school to go to college.
My Clairbourn Journey: Take Risks
I have been at Clairbourn for 11 years, starting from my first year here as a bumblebee in JPK! Some of my fondest memories are when I was in the Character Matters play and sang and narrated with my friends in second grade. I also loved when my friends and I played together in the jungle during recess. Looking back, Clairbourn has helped me to be well-rounded, solid in all the academic subjects and extracurricular activities, and supportive of others in my friendships. The most important lesson I have learned here is not to be afraid of taking risks.
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Full of Gratitude
and Well Wishes
 During this week’s assembly, the Student Council honored our departing staff and one moving into a new role here at Clairbourn—a bittersweet moment filled with gratitude and well wishes.
 For the head of the lower school, Mrs. Paciorek, who has worked here for 25 years, we would like to thank you for leading the preschool and elementary school with love and care. A book about stained glass with messages from the teachers and students whose lives she impacted was presented to Mrs. Paciorek.
Mr. Williamson, we would like to thank you for teaching fifth grade with happiness and humor. Thank you also for helping with Goldilocks on Trial. A journal signed by the fifth graders was presented to Mr. Williason so that he can write about his experiences as his journey continues.
 Mrs. Messler, even though you are not leaving Clairbourn, we will miss you in the middle school. Thank you for making math fun to learn and enjoy. A special graphic token was presented to Mrs. Messler
Last but not least, Mrs. Chai, we would like to thank you for making us better writers and being kind and understanding. A poem written by the Student Council was presented to Mrs. Chai:
Mrs. Chai, Mrs. Chai, your smile could brighten up the sky. Your absence will really make us cry.
From grammar to Worldly Wise to essays and more,
All of us will miss opening the English room door.
You said you were leaving, and we were like “no!”
But at least we can officially call you our bro.
We hope you have a great time in a new state,
When you're in Philly don’t forget to annotate.
We’re sad that you’re going to migrate elsewhere,
Just always remember to get a breath of fresh air.
We wish Mrs. Chai, Mr. Williamson, Mrs. Paciorek, and Mrs. Messler the very best in their next endeavors.
Thank you for the lasting impact you've made at Clairbourn. |
Parker-Anderson Summer Camp
Parker-Anderson is offering summer camp on our campus for students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Please check the flyer below or visit our summer camp webpage. For questions, please call Parker-Anderson at (818) 650-8676 or reach out to our after-school coordinator Mrs. Cogswell.
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Eighth Grade Brunch
Our graduating Class of 2025 gathered for a special brunch after finals to celebrate their last few days together. It was a morning filled with laughter, shared memories, and heartfelt conversations as they reflected on their journey and looked ahead to the future. What a perfect way to celebrate their hard work! |
Calling All Young Artists!
Get ready to show off your creativity in the 2025 E-Fair Flyer Contest!
Students are invited to design a colorful, original flyer that captures the spirit of the Clairbourn Entrepreneurial Fair. The winning design will be featured as the official event flyer and the artist will receive a $25 prize to spend at the fair!
Submit your hand-drawn or digital artwork by September 15. Don’t miss your chance to be the face of this year’s event—that winner could be YOU! Scan the QR code on the flyer or reach out for more info. Let your imagination shine and get creative! |
2025 Clairbourn Cardboard Regatta
Cardboard • Courage • Cougars
 Today, teams of four or five 8th graders built boats out of cardboard, plastic sheeting, and duct tape for the annual Clairbourn Cardboard Regatta. The design and construction process included wonderful teamwork, cooperation, and creativity. All four teams showed how much they can achieve when they work together. Four boats entered the regatta, all of which were able to float… at least until people got into them.
First up are the winners of the submarine award. This dubious distinction is earned by the team whose boat sinks the quickest. We had two teams sink pretty quickly, although one was able to complete about a half-lap of the pool. Tommy, Anthony, Malena, Bella, and Bea will have their names permanently sharpied onto the Submarine Trophy.
The two remaining boats were propelled across the water by their crews of two people, earning five points per person for each completed length of the pool. There were terrific displays of teamwork and cooperation as teams cheered, learned how to steer together, and found creative ways to accomplish turns in the pool.
 In the end, one team reigned supreme and earned a whopping 130 points for 13 full lengths completed by their two sailors. Their boat was well constructed, and their mariners used their strength, stamina, and determination to pull out the win. Their names will be permanently sharpied onto the Regatta Champions trophy. Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Clairbourn Cardboard Regatta—Mary, Fiona, Teddy, and Lennon.
Special thanks to Mrs. Messler for being the go-to trusted scorekeeper, Mr. Ball for lifeguarding, and Mr. Beaber for designing and laser-cutting the medals for our winners.
Great job eighth grade Cougars for showing your teamwork and sportsmanship! |
Action Item Highlights
 Atticus G. (fifth grade) was Head of School for the day and started the day by greeting students at dropoff, touring classrooms, running the Morning Assembly, sitting in on important meetings and having lunch in the Manor House with a few of his friends. To top it all off, Atticus proclaimed an extra free dress day.
A group of middle school students enjoyed an afternoon solving a murder mystery at the Manor House! Check out their actions, challenges and highlights! Thank you Mrs. Chai, Mrs. Neilson and Ms. Vinnedge for setting up this engaging party for them to enjoy.
A few parents received floral arrangement tips from Dr. Ryan and Mrs. Rodriguez while using an assortment of colorful flowers and greenery. As an added bonus, the class even enjoyed delicious food catered by Connie Kim, Ting Sung, and Shirley Zhang!
Jasper (PK) and Nikolai's (PK) families enjoyed an exclusive guided fly fishing outing with Mr. Jubilado, who is well known for his expertise in the sport. He shared tips and tricks throughout the day, and everyone even managed to catch fish! What an unforgettable experience!
Students from kindergarten through eighth grade had a blast at the arts and crafts party with Mrs. Morales and Ms. Michele! Using cream glue that looked just like frosting, they decorated compact mirrors, headbands, hair claws, and picture frames with colorful charms. Each project was a reflection of its creator’s unique style!
Fourth grader Laksh enjoyed a day as the I-Lab instructor! He taught first graders how to create their own inspirational posters using Canva and showed third graders how to make slushies. Well done! |
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summer reading information
Summer is around the corner. Here are the incoming fourth to eighth grade summer reading resources. Happy reading, everyone!
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Join us at our end-of-the-year talent show on Monday, June 2 at 1 p.m. in MPB! Performers need to be in place ready to go by 12:45 p.m. before the show.
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NO SCHOOL ON
FRIDAY MAY 30
(teacher grading day) |
Clairbourn Insights
The eighth grade science class finished the year studying waves and their applications in technology. To explore the relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength, the students made large waves by dripping water on paper. They used both the wave speed formula and the distance formula to confirm their results.
The sixth grade science class finished the year studying volcanoes and earthquakes. In earthquake hazard zones, buildings require special design and construction to withstand shaking. The students researched features of earthquake-resistant buildings, as well as ways buildings have failed in past earthquakes, before building their own models to be tested on a shake table. In the end, cross braces and base isolators proved to be effective methods of keeping the models upright on the shake table.
In addition, the seventh graders worked in pairs to observe one of the many trees on our beautiful campus. They recorded their observations every month about the leaves and bark of the trees and the life around them. At the end of the year, the students created videos to show how the trees had changed with the seasons, as well as to share the benefits the trees provide.
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Alumni Office Welcome the Newest Alumni: Class of 2025
The celebration tradition continues for our mighty Class of 2025! They are savoring their last few days with their friends and teachers and will soon be the newest members of Clairbourn alumni.
Class of 2025 and families, we will miss you, but know you will always be part of the Clairbourn community. Please stay in touch. Congratulations! |
5/29 Free Dress, KFC Lunch Day
5/30 No School
(Teacher In-Service Day)
6/2 Talent Show
6/3 Award Assembly, Middle School Quarter 4 Honors, Last Day of School
6/4 Graduation
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Class of 2025 Highlights —
DID YOU KNOW?
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Third graders showing heart!
Throughout the year, third graders have explored the importance of empathy, kindness, and compassion with our students. We chose to complete a service learning project that allowed us to put these values into action beyond the classroom.
This year, we chose to support Ronald McDonald House in Pasadena - a home-away-from-home for families with critically ill children. Their mission is to keep families together and close to the medical care their children need. To support them, we assembled toiletry kits filled with essential items that are often used during their stay.
We are Scholars and Leaders with Heart, and hope this will make a difference to those less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you to our third-grade families for donating so generously.
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Field Trip Highlight
The fifth graders enjoyed an exciting field trip to the Griffith Park Observatory, where they explored exhibits about space, science, and astronomy. From viewing the solar system models to peeking through telescopes, the students were inspired by the wonders of the universe and deepened their curiosity about the world beyond our planet.
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Clairbourn Life
The eighth grade girls and boys faced off in a fun and friendly volleyball match. The gym was filled with energy and sports spirit as both teams showed off their skills and cheered each other on. What a perfect way to wrap up the year, celebrating teamwork and sportsmanship.
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2025-2026
CFA Roster
Click here to see next year's CFA roster. Thank you for stepping up and showing heart! |
Wellness and Fitness in Our Physical Education Program
We believe in fostering the development of the whole child, and physical education (PE) plays a crucial role in nurturing our students. Through our program, students engage in age-appropriate activities that promote physical fitness, teamwork, and motor skill development.
Led by dedicated instructors, we aim to instill lifelong habits of health and a positive attitude toward physical activity and wellness. In that spirit, our Clairbourn athletic team launched a fitness challenge to motivate students to stay active while building healthy routines. |
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