Reading Challenge
from the Library:
October Bingo
This year, the library is introducing monthly challenges to encourage students to read outside their comfort zones. Ms. Evarts believes there is a book out there for everyone and hopes this challenge will help each student find a favorite. The challenge is posted on the bulletin board outside the library each month.
October is National Book Month, so the challenge is a little different. Instead of reading just one book, students are trying to win October Bingo. If they can reach BINGO within one book, that still counts, but they may have to read a couple of books to get five in a row. |
Entrepreneurial Fair
We are excited for our 11th annual Entrepreneurial Fair! Students are welcome to join the fun by selling their homemade arts and crafts or providing a specialty service.
This event will take place on Friday, November 6, at 3 pm on the field. Please remember to sign up and purchase your booth rental in advance, as space is limited.
Come shop, support, and celebrate our young entrepreneurs!
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Thank You for Making Family Social Special!
The Family Social chairs would like to thank everyone who joined us to kick off last weekend on the right foot! We are especially grateful to the parents, faculty, and staff who gave it their all in the giant tug-of-war against the students. Their efforts made the students’ eventual victories even sweeter, proving teamwork makes us stronger!
Special thanks to the referees who kept the competition fair, our MC who engaged and entertained everyone, and our one and only resident DJ who kept our feet moving and heads bobbing. We also appreciate the volunteers who helped with setup, the families who stayed to tidy up afterward, and the  Facilities team for restoring order once the festivities were over.
And let's not forget the wonderful weather that made the ice cream all the more refreshing! We look forward to seeing y’all next year for another unforgettable Family Social!
With great appreciation,
Family Social Chairs
Chin Guok and Andrew Nay
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Clairbourn Insights
Students Explore Earth’s Interconnected Systems
 The fifth graders are exploring Earth’s interconnected systems through the Mini-Ecosystem Project. Using sealed 8-ounce jars containing soil, activated charcoal, water, and mung bean seeds, students observe interactions among the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. These closed ecosystems illustrate the law of conservation of mass: matter cycles and changes form while the total mass remains constant.
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Small Donation, Warm Toes: It’s Socktober!
Do you know what month it is? It’s Socktober!
Socktober is a special time when we donate brand-new socks to people in need. Join Captain Sock-ta-Pants in his quest to defeat blisters everywhere by placing brand-new socks in the collection box at transportation by the end of October.
Thank you for helping our friends at Door of Hope and Hillsides keep their feet warm and blister-free! |
Clairbourn Families Association (CFA)
Personal-Use Scrip Gift Card Drive:
11/2—11/13
Personal scrip sales will take place November 2–13. Please support the Clairbourn Families Association (CFA) and Clairbourn by participating in the Scrip Program. You may  purchase gift cards from your favorite retailers, and the school will receive a percentage of the proceeds. Purchase scrip cards via the CFA Online Store or by submitting the Scrip Order Form to the front office.
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An Unforgettable
Book Fair
Dear Clairbourn Community,
Thank you for the incredible support and enthusiasm that made this year’s Book Fair such a success! Although the event lasted just a few days, months of planning, creativity,  and teamwork went into bringing it to life. From Donuts & Discussion, the JPK–K Parent Social, parent read-alouds, and inspiring author visits to the excitement of students discovering new books, the week was filled with memorable moments that celebrated our love of reading and the spirit of our Clairbourn community.
To our incredible committee members and volunteers: From sharing your time, talents, and energy to coordinating events, welcoming families, organizing books, creating displays, and lending a hand behind the scenes, your contributions made this Book Fair possible. We appreciate everyone who contributed in ways not mentioned here.
 Author Coordinators: Apryle Ferguson, Melissa Nijjar, Dana Lee Treasurer: Fiona Zhang Wish Lists Coordinators: Christina Huang, Kayla Li, Lydia Lin Author Lunch Coordinators: Mastaneh Wazni, Leidy Nijjar JPK–K Parent Social: Leidy Nijjar Authors’ Books Coordinators: Siyi Zhao, Reachal Cao, Connie Kim Read-Aloud Coordinators: Alethea Yuan, Ting Sung Shirts/Bags Coordinator: Shirley Zhang Teacher Preview: Diana Balmori Floor Plan and Book Placement: Cindy Tsai Volunteers: Patty Nijjar, Jason Sung, Louisa McCarthy, Jin Weng, Chi Phan, Mandy Jia, Catherine Cheng, Lester Kao, Johny Hernandez, Tamara Purse, Maria Magdaleno, Ben Chen, Miao Yu, Michelle Tom, Tiffany Lin, Ellen Zhang, Nicole Zhang, Maryann Jiang, Chen Kuizhen, Sergio Salas, Mia Wang, Rhoda Shen, Thu Huynh, Priscilla Jubilado, Lu Liu, Winnie Tam, Christine Mach, Ru Jia, Cheryl Nobuta, Julia Wang, Tiffany Wong, Bernard Lau, Elizabeth Wu, Emily Chien, Rituparna Ganguly, Sarah Yang, Huishi “CiCi” Zhao, Cindy Lin, Maggie Chu, Tiffany Huang, Cindy Cao, Cristina Lopez, Eva Jiang, Alisha Nijjar
 A special shout out to Ryan Morehouse and his incredible team for their assistance with setup, cleanup, and countless needs throughout the event. Their willingness to help at every turn was instrumental in bringing our vision to life. Much gratitude to our generous sponsors, Siyi Zhao (T-Shirt Sponsor) and Helen Wu (Author Luncheon Sponsor), whose contributions support our library and help foster a love of reading among our students.
 Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Ms. Evarts, our incredible librarian, whose passion, guidance, and leadership were at the heart of this year’s Book Fair. From helping students discover their next favorite book to coordinating with teachers, students, and authors, she thoughtfully brought every element together. Her dedication and tireless efforts made a lasting impact.
 This year’s theme, “Dive In! Adventure Begins!”, captured the magic of reading—the excitement of discovering something new and embarking on an adventure through the pages of a book. It has been a privilege to serve as this year’s Book Fair Chairs and work alongside such a dedicated community.
Thank you for coming together to create a memorable experience for our students and inspire their love of reading.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Book Fair Chairs
Debra Sun & Shirley Zhang
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| | Be a Hero for Red Ribbon Week!
Next week is Red Ribbon Week, when we focus on making good choices. This year’s theme is “Make a Difference, Be a Hero, Stay Drug Free.”
On Wednesday, October 28, wear a superhero-themed shirt or a red shirt to show your commitment to making good choices. We hope to see plenty of superheroes in the stands! |
K-8 Halloween Parade: October 30, 2 pm
We welcome costumes that celebrate creativity, fun, and adventure. Costumes may NOT contain blood or gore, be too scary for small children, or include weapons.
Parents are invited to view the Clairbourn Halloween Costume Parade on the Studenmund Field at 2 pm on October 30!
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Important Dates
October 23:
• Clairbourn T-Shirt Day
October 27:
• Pizza Lunch Day
October 28:
• Wear Red or Super Hero
T-Shirt
October 29:
• Panda Lunch Day
October 30:
• Free Dress Day
• K-8 Halloween Parade at 2 pm
November 2:
• Late Start Day
November 3:
• Early Learning STEM Event for JPK, PK, and K families
November 5:
• KFC Lunch Day
November 6:
• All School Morning Assembly
• CFA Parent Breakfast Social
• Clairbourn T-Shirt Day
• Used Uniform Sale
• Entrepreneurial Fair
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Car Show at Sidecar on November 1
Join fellow Clairbourn families for a car show sponsored by Ferrari Pasadena! It’s a great opportunity for Clairbourn dads to connect, with fun for the entire family. If you’d like to showcase your car, please scan the QR code on the flyer or contact the organizer, Donna Li Patel.
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Field Trip Highlight
Seventh graders stepped back in time at the Getty Villa, connecting their classroom studies of ancient Rome to its art, architecture, and daily life. Students explored Roman artifacts, including statues of gods, goddesses, and famous emperors, viewed ancient mosaics, and heard stories from docents.
A few students also observed and drew artifacts. The villa’s columns, arches, fountains, and beautiful garden helped bring their learning to life. Students impressed the tour guides with their knowledge of Roman gods. Well done, seventh graders!
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Mothers & Grands Classroom Connections Visiting Day
Friday, November 20, 2026
8 am – 12 pm • Half day of school for students
*Clairbourn T-Shirt Day.
Join us in the Multipurpose Building for our Thanksgiving Morning Assembly, then visit your children's classes throughout the morning. Come see the learning taking place and get to know other moms and grandparents.
Please RSVP by October 30. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Don’t forget to log in to Vidigami and check out all the amazing moments captured around campus.
Need Vidigami support? Email the Director of Communications and Marketing, Jeanette Zamora.
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Student Council Highlights the Musical Contributions of Tania León
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we highlighted Tania León, a Cuban-American composer, conductor, educator, and arts advisor whose passion for music began in childhood. Growing up in Havana, Cuba, León received strong encouragement from her family. Her grandmother recognized her musical talent when she was just four years old and encouraged her to study at a music conservatory.
León later settled in New York, where she built a career in music and became an advocate for fellow artists. She founded Composers Now to celebrate living composers and their work. Her commitment to music education has also included supporting opportunities for children from immigrant backgrounds.
Her composition Stride earned the Pulitzer Prize for Music, reflecting her lasting contributions to American music and culture.
Photo credits: (top) NRP website, courtesy of the artist; (middle) Michael Provost; (bottom) Wikipedia.
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