Creating a Safe and Harmonious Learning Environment
Dear Clairbourn Families,
I want to send a reminder about the importance of remembering our Clairbourn Code of Ethics and its place in guiding our actions on and around campus. As a school, one of our core values is Citizenship. As a school, we teach our students about the processes of government, the citizens' responsibility to vote, and the importance of making choices that align with one's own values. As a school and faculty, we do NOT tell the students or our families who to vote for or share our personal political views. In the handbook, it says, "Students may not wear clothing advertising alcohol, tobacco, politics or displaying slogans or illustrations unsuitable for younger children." Please help us maintain our neutral environment by leaving all political clothing or accessories at home.

I also need to send another reminder about driving and parking safety. It is vital to place safety for all higher than convenience or promptness. We have had reports of double parking, letting students off in the driving lane, and parking in red zones. Please show the children that we care about safety and responsibility. They are watching us.
We are grateful for your partnership and appreciate your help in maintaining a respectful and safe environment here on campus.
Have a great Thanksgiving break, everyone!
Amy Patzlaff, Ed.D.
Head of School
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Clairbourn Families Association (CFA)
Mark your calendars for our annual Teacher Appreciation Group Gift Card Drive: November 17 to December 5
Each holiday season, the CFA organizes a group gift card drive to help parents show their appreciation for our dedicated faculty and staff. Through our Group Gift Card Program, known as the Teacher Scrip, you can contribute to a collective gift for your child’s teachers, as well as recognize other faculty and staff who support your family throughout the year. Cards will be distributed along with a list of contributing families during the week of December 15.
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How to order:
1. Go to the CFA Online Store. (a small credit card processing fee will be charged for all online orders)
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Mark your Calendar: Sugar Plum is on Friday, December 12.
We are just three weeks away from our annual Sugar Plum event. We warmly invite you to join us as we celebrate the joy and spirit of the Christmas season. Click here to RSVP by Dec. 1. It will take place in the Manor House following Morning Assembly on Friday, December 12.
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Clairbourn Insights
Early Learners Shine at STEM Night
Last week, our youngest learners and their families came together for the 7th annual Clairbourn Early Learning STEM Night for an evening full of exploration, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving. In the weeks leading up to the event,  students were immersed in the engineering and design thinking process, learning how to empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test their ideas. Their challenge this year was to help Little Red Riding Hood save Grandma from the wolf by designing and constructing a basket that could zipline safely out Grandma's window using her clothesline. To read the complete article, please click here.
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November: Drop Everything & Build
This month, the Middle School students got ready to enjoy some sweet potato casserole on Thanksgiving by building launchers for the mini marshmallows to go on top of the Turkey Day side dish. The engineers used cups and craft sticks to build bases and used spoons and rubber bands to build launchers. Inspired by everything from catapults to Angry Birds, there were a variety of designs that resulted in  successful mini marshmallow flights in all three grades.
In the end, the runners-up in the sixth grade were Tony and Everest, and the most successful sixth grade device was built by Mia and Jennifer. In the eighth grade, the runners-up were Aaron, Cary, and Alex, and the farthest distance was achieved by Mark and Keira’s device. In the seventh grade, the runners-up were Xenia and Emma, and the farthest-flung mini marshmallows in the whole Middle School were launched by both Celine and Winnie and Atticus, Kaitlin, and Angela.
Well done, Cougar engineers!
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Student Council:
Class Representatives for Trimester Two
Fifteen Middle School students showed their Cougar spirit by running to be class representatives for the new trimester. Congratulations to all the candidates for their courage and commitment to our school. The new eighth grade class representatives are Kevin L. and Belen R. The new seventh grade class representatives are Ariel H. and Zoey N. The new sixth grade class representatives are Stanley C., Rodwin S., and Autumn T. We look forward to more theme days, snack shops, and cultural heritage month presentations in the new trimester. |
Clairbourn Life
Matching Day Fun!
Thank you to Student Council for hosting Matching Day, and thank you to everyone who participated and filled the campus with such joy. We look forward to seeing you all after the Thanksgiving break!
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Thanksgiving break is from November 24 to 28
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Trimester One Report Cards
K-8 report cards will be available on CougarNet starting tomorrow, Friday, November 21st, at 8:30 am. Our teachers have thoughtfully prepared a comprehensive overview of each student and their learning, helping families celebrate progress and gain meaningful insight into how each child can continue to grow. Thank you for partnering with us in your child's educational journey! |
Then vs Now
Gratitude has always been at the HEART of Clairbourn. From simple daily thank-yous to acts of kindness, our community continues to grow with love. #Clairbourn100
In celebration of our centennial, we invite our community to submit photos for our commemorative mosaic. |
Important Dates
11/21 Centennial T-Shirt Day
11/24 - 11/28 Thanksgiving Break
12/2 Pizza Lunch Day
12/4 Panda Lunch Day
12/5 Free Dress
12/8 Late Start Day
12/9 Taco Lunch Day
12/11 CPK Lunch Day
12/12 Clairbourn Band: Winter Showcase
12/12 Centennial T-Shirt Day, Sugar Plum and Used Uniform Sale
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Learning in Nature: Biodiversity & Plant Adaptation
Our second grade class enjoyed a successful field trip to the Arboretum! Students explored two exciting topics: biodiversity and plant adaptation.
Cougars learned how different forms of life are connected and live together as a community, discovering the richness of biodiversity all around them. They also studied plant adaptation and learned how plants change to survive in specific climates.
Students observed plants from the spiny forest with waxy leaves and thorns to thrive in dry, hot environments, as well as tropical plants with wide leaves and drip tips designed for rainy weather. It was such a great hands-on learning experience!
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Join Cougar Corner!
Cougar Corner is open after school each Tuesday and Thursday. Students can pay with cash or charge it to their Cougar Corner accounts.
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School News
We are excited to share a personnel update. Please join us in welcoming our long-term substitute, Lisa Teraishi-Wong, to kindergarten, and in congratulating Stephanie Chang as she steps into her new role in the business office.
Mrs. Teraishi-Wong is a credentialed teacher with a Master's degree in Education and is already a well-loved Clairbourn substitute teacher. She has joined the KB classroom as the assistant teacher for the remainder of the school year. Your children are in excellent hands!
Mrs. Chang is getting back to numbers and has joined the business office. She has a minor in Business Administration, and her previous jobs include roles in human resources, payroll management, and staff accounting. We are excited to have her in the business office!
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