Bring History to Life
Retelling California and American History
Students from fourth and fifth grades had an exciting experience last week bringing California and American history to life! Fourth graders actively participated in a lively retelling of California’s rich history. Students focused on major events that shaped our great state of California. Drama, dance, games, and music supported students’ vocabulary development and enriched their learning experience. They enjoyed dressing up to represent the different eras of California, presenting their vocabulary words and answering trivia questions to earn points for their team in a friendly jeopardy style game.
 Fifth grade students explored the famous events, historical figures, and relevant vocabulary of this pivotal point in America’s history. Students received character cards featuring a famous figure from the American Revolution to portray for the day. Flags, maps, re-enactments, music, and games helped the students explore and understand the importance of American liberty and patriotism. |
Clairbourn Insights
When Math Meets Medieval Engineering!
Algebra I students spent the week immersed in the exciting world of catapults and trebuchets. They began by studying the history of catapults and medieval mathematics before exploring the science behind projectile motion, force, and energy conversion.
Students then brought engineering concepts to life in the I-Lab by designing and building their own unique mini catapults. After testing their creations, they used algebraic concepts to collect launch data and write equations that modeled the trajectories of their projectiles. On the final day, teams took to the field to launch a variety of fruits from a full-sized trebuchet built by Mr. Morehouse and his amazing team. Each group was given an equation representing the path of their projectile and used the quadratic formula to calculate the best launch position needed to topple the target castle.
Throughout the project, students developed a stronger understanding of quadratic equations and projectile motion while also recognizing the important role physics plays through factors such as gravity, wind resistance, and the weight of the fruits. This experience allowed students to think beyond the traditional math classroom and see firsthand how STEM concepts are applied in real-world situations. Outstanding work, Algebra students!
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Sports Awards
We are proud of you, Clairbourn athletes!
 The girls flag football team had a successful season and consistently demonstrated outstanding teamwork, dedication, and effort. By the end of the season, the players were executing plays with confidence and precision while developing the ability to read defenses and make effective adjustments on the field. We were especially proud of the strong participation and commitment shown by all of our athletes throughout the season.
This year’s boys volleyball season was filled with exciting moments, tremendous growth, and a strong commitment to hard work. The team consistently demonstrated unity, determination, and effort throughout the season. We are proud of the progress the players made as they continued to develop their skills. With each practice and game, the boys elevated their level of play and grew stronger together as a team.
Please join us in congratulating Victor for the MVP award and Hins & Eric for the Most Improved Awards.
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Breaking Ground on Building Tomorrow
Clairbourn School recently celebrated an exciting milestone in the Building Tomorrow campaign with the groundbreaking of our new school building. This new space will support dynamic teaching and learning, provide expanded opportunities for our students, and reflect the values that define a Clairbourn education. While the ceremony marked the start of construction, it more meaningfully represents our entire community’s shared commitment to invest in the future of our school.
 We are deeply grateful to families, alumni, and friends who have helped bring us to this moment. Because of this collective generosity, what once was a vision is now becoming a reality.
As construction begins, our campaign continues. There is still an opportunity for every member of the Clairbourn community to play a role in bringing Building Tomorrow fully to life. To learn more, contact Joannes Rodriguez or visit our campaign page. |
Insect Unit in Kindergarten:
Life Cycles and Biology
Our kindergarteners have been busy learning science and biology! Did you know silk thread is actually hardened silkworm saliva, and on larger silkworms it is possible to see eight pairs of legs, claspers, and a beating heart? Silkworms do not have lungs, and they breath through small holes in the sides of their body!
 Students observed silkworms hatching and learned about their life cycles. They wrote entries in their silkworm journals to record the process. Each student selected their own silkworm, made a little home for it and observed it spinning the cocoon! Besides silkworms, kindergarteners also learned about ladybugs, caterpillars, and praying mantises! Next time you get a chance, take a peek into the kindergarten classroom. Some of the moths have already emerged, and the students will soon get the watch the females lay their eggs! |
Special Thank You From the CFA President
With Gratitude — Thank You for an Incredible Centennial Year
 Dear Clairbourn Families,
It has truly been an honor to serve as your 2025–2026 Centennial CFA President. This past year has meant so much to me. Beyond the successful events and accomplishments, I am most thankful for the memories created and the sense of community we continue to build together. Those connections are what make Clairbourn so special. I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the 2025–2026 CFA Board. Your countless hours of hard work, creativity, and commitment helped make this centennial year truly unforgettable. It has been a privilege to serve alongside such an inspiring group of individuals.
 At the start of this special centennial year, the CFA set an ambitious goal of raising $225,000. Thanks to the incredible generosity, dedication, and spirit of our school community, we surpassed it, raising more than $489,000 for Clairbourn. The funds raised this year will directly enrich the Clairbourn experience for our students through field trips, school productions, specialists, enhanced I-Lab programming, library support, and so much more.
Your generosity helps create opportunities and experiences that benefit every child on campus. This achievement would not have been possible without our extraordinary volunteers and supportive families. Whether you chaired an event, sponsored a program, attended activities, served lunches, donated, or simply showed up to support our school, you made a meaningful and lasting impact. We are deeply grateful for each and every one of you.
 Looking ahead, our community is in wonderful hands with Apryle Ferguson and Melissa Nijjar as your 2026–2027 CFA Co-Presidents. Their enthusiasm, leadership, and passion for our community will undoubtedly make next year another incredible one for Clairbourn.
Thank you again for your unwavering support, generosity, and dedication to our school. It has been a memorable Centennial year, and I cannot wait to see all the wonderful things ahead for Clairbourn. I wish you and your families an epic summer of love and joy!
With sincere gratitude and warmth,
Brian Chung
2025–2026 CFA President
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Message From the Incoming CFA Presidents
Dear Clairbourn Families,
We are excited and honored to serve as your Clairbourn Family Association (CFA) Co-Presidents for the 2026–2027 school year!
Melissa has been a part of the Clairbourn community for nearly 11 years and is the proud mother of three children. Clairbourn holds a special place in her family’s history — her husband is a Clairbourn alumnus, and his mother once served as CFA President during his time at the school. Apryle has been part of the Clairbourn community for almost six years, with her daughter entering in Kindergarten. She was immediately drawn to the warm, close-knit environment that reminded her of the small school community she cherished growing up in Hawaii.
 Over the years, we have both experienced firsthand the incredible spirit, generosity, and dedication that make Clairbourn such a special place for our children and families. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to give back to a community that has meant so much to our families. We look forward to working alongside our exceptional teachers, staff, administration, and parent volunteers to continue fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where every family feels connected and valued.
Whether you are a longtime volunteer or new to Clairbourn, there is a place for you in the CFA. Together, we can create meaningful experiences and lasting memories that enrich our students’ educational journey.
With gratitude,
Apryle Ferguson and Melissa Nijjar
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| | Important message from
the library:
BOOKS DUE:
All library books MUST be returned no later than tomorrow, Friday, May 22.
BOOK FAIR ORDER:
We are already getting excited for next year's book fair. This week, a letter will be sent home with your child including a list of books available for pre-order through Clairbourn this year. While we hope receiving this form early gives you an idea of what is available for purchase, please note we cannot accept payment until July 15. |
It's time for... Expert Thursday!
Second grade has been developing students' public speaking skills during our Expert Thursday project.
Each Thursday, students in each second grade class present on topics that they are experts about. We have had some wonderful presentations on horse riding, egg art, Japanese culture, ukulele, lego building, soccer, and much more. After each presentation, the expert takes questions from the class. It is wonderful to see these young students develop their confidence for speaking before a group.
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NO SCHOOL
MONDAY MAY 25
& FRIDAY MAY 29
(due to Memorial Day and teacher grading day)
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May 27 is Wear Your Class Color Day!
Here is a list of the assigned class color —
JPK and PK: green
Kindergarten: red
1st grade: yellow
2nd grade: blue
3rd grade: white
4th grade: brown
5th grade: black
6th grade: orange
7th grade: pink
8th grade: purple
Thank you for supporting Student Council's efforts to build community!
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Important Dates
May 22:
• Free Dress
May 25:
• No School (Memorial Day)
May 26:
• KFC Lunch Day
• Cougar Corner's Last Day
May 27:
• Class Color Day
May 28:
• CPK Lunch Day
May 29:
• No School (Teacher Grading Day)
• Trimester 3 Ends
June 1:
• Sports and Music Awards
• G1-3 Talent Show: 9 a.m.
• Middle School Spirit Day
• G4-8 Talent Show: 2 p.m.
June 2:
• Last Day of School
• Awards Assembly
• Formal or Regular Uniform
• Middle School Trimester 3 Honors Awards
• Time Capsule 2026
June 3:
• Awards Assembly
• Eighth Grade Graduation
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Sports Higlights
Clairbourn's swim team had a strong showing at the league swim meet!
Swimmers from fourth to eighth grade swam, cheered, and, most of all, showcased exceptional sportsmanship for the team. Clairbourn earned many ribbons in the league meet against other private schools in the area, including a third place in relay for the girls team and a second place overall for the boys. Bravo, Clairbourn athletes!
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Join us for our end-of-the-year talent show on Monday, June 2, in the MPB! The show begins at 9 a.m. for grades 1–3 and at 2 p.m. for grades 4–8. Please be in place and ready to go 15 minutes before your talent show begins. |
Auction Highlight
Cookie Decoration Party
Six students enjoyed a delightful spring-themed cookie decorating class generously donated by Bean and Butter Bakeshop as part of the school auction. Students practiced piping techniques, experimented with fun color combinations, and added their own creative flair to each cookie. The party was filled with creativity and excitement as everyone proudly showed off their masterpieces. Thank you to Bean and Butter Bakeshop for supporting our school community and providing such a memorable experience for our students.
I-Lab Teacher for the Day
Laksh M. was I-Lab Teacher for the day last Friday. He taught 2G how to make a Whack-A-Mole video game using Microsoft's MakeCode platform. He walked them step by step through adding new code blocks, picking and modifying sprites, creating the controls, randomizing the mole's location, and even adding a score counter for them to try and get a high score!
With his 5G class, he chose several projects for them to to work on, including honing their digital design skills by making posters in Canva, challenging their electrical engineering knowledge to add motors to their boats, and assisting Mr. Beaber as they made their own mango flavored hard candy. Laksh was a fantastic instructor and a generous confectioner, sharing what he made with teachers and students throughout the day!
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Parker-Anderson Summer Camp
Parker-Anderson is offering summer camp on our campus for students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Please check the flyers 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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