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Thursday, November 12, 2026
Volume: 2026-2027  Issue: 376
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Today is the Last Day
to Register for Trimester 2 After-School Care
 
After-School Daycare & Enrichment Classes

1. Parker-Anderson

The enrollment deadline for Extended Care is today, while registration for Enrichment Classes closes November 26!
Clairbourn partners with Parker-Anderson to offer after-school care and kindergarten to eighth grade enrichment classes.
 
Please check the flyers below:

2. K - Third Grade Lango After School Language Classes 

K Lango Spanish enrichment classes are offered on Tuesday and Thursday. First through third Lango Spanish enrichment classes are offered on Monday and Wednesday.
 
Questions about enrichment classes?
Call Parker-Anderson at (818) 650-8676, email Lango, or reach out to our After-School Coordinator, Michelle Cogswell, with any questions.
Personal-Use Scrip
Gift Card Drive
Ends Tomorrow

You can 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.
Clairbourn Insights

Fourth Graders Get a Sweet Taste of Democracy!

 
Fourth graders got a sweet taste of democracy during their very own candy election! Students began by participating in a primary election to narrow down their favorite candy candidates to the final two: Twix and Nerds Gummy Clusters. To help make their decision, students had the opportunity to taste both candies before casting their votes.
 
Next, students worked in groups to create colorful campaign posters and write speeches explaining why their candy should win. This engaging activity helped students learn how elections work, how to express their opinions, and why it is important to listen to different points of view.

After hearing the campaign speeches, it was time to vote! In an incredibly close race, Nerds Gummy Clusters won with 16 votes to Twix’s 15. With just one vote separating the candidates, our fourth graders learned firsthand that every vote counts! This sweet election was a fun and memorable way to introduce students to the voting process and deepen their understanding of democracy.
Clairbourn Families Association (CFA)

Mark Your Calendars!
Teacher Appreciation Group Gift Card Drive: November 16–December 4

 
Each holiday season, the CFA organizes a group gift card drive to help families show their appreciation for our dedicated faculty and staff. Through our group gift card program, known as Teacher Scrip, you can contribute to a collective gift for your child’s teachers and recognize other faculty and staff who support your family throughout the year. Gift cards will be distributed along with a list of contributing families during the week of December 14.
 
How to order:
1. Visit the CFA Online Store. A small credit card processing fee applies to all online orders.
 
Questions? Ask the Teacher Scrip Team: Claire Chen; Misaki Nishimura; Rachel Cao; Christina Huang
Curious Minds at Work
in Middle School Science

Middle School Scientists Explore Weather and Cellular Energy

 
Our Middle School scientists have been busy exploring the world around them through hands-on experiments!
 
Sixth-grade students have been studying weather and climate, including the factors that influence weather predictions. In a recent lab, students measured the dew point temperature in their classroom, with many groups collecting data that closely matched the day's actual dew point. This experiment helped students better understand how weather data is collected and used to make predictions, as well as the factors that influence Earth's changing climate.
 
 
Meanwhile, seventh-grade students have been learning how cells obtain and use energy. During a hands-on experiment, students investigated the conditions needed for yeast to perform fermentation, a process that releases energy from food. They explored how the right combination of food and temperature allows yeast to produce carbon dioxide, the same process that helps bread rise.
 
Through these experiments, students strengthened their scientific inquiry skills while connecting classroom lessons to real-world applications.
Students Shine at the Entrepreneurial Fair
 
Dear Clairbourn Community:
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Entrepreneurial Fair such a success! Our young entrepreneurs impressed us with their creativity, hard work, and innovative ideas. It was wonderful to see so many families come together to celebrate and support their efforts.
 
 
A special shout-out to Mr. Morehouse and his team, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event possible. From coordinating setup to ensuring everything ran smoothly, their hard work and attention to detail were invaluable. We also extend our appreciation to the parents and volunteers who generously contributed their time and support.
 
Sincerely,
Maria Magdaleno and Nikoo Berenji
Entrepreneurial Fair Chairs
Student Artists
Explore Color, Shape,
and Expression

From Bold Patterns to Personal Landscapes

 
Creativity was on full display in art class as our third- and eighth-grade students explored different artistic styles and techniques to express their ideas and individuality.
 
Students in third grade explored the work of Esther Mahlangu, a South African artist known for her bold colors and geometric patterns rooted in her Ndebele heritage. Inspired by her artwork, students combined organic and geometric shapes to create their own unique paintings, bringing their creativity to life through color and pattern.
 
Eighth-grade artists created personal landscapes inspired by places that hold special meaning to them. Drawing inspiration from contemporary artist Anna Park, students explored the use of value, perspective, and texture as they developed expressive charcoal drawings. Through thoughtful details and shading, each student created a unique landscape reflecting their individual perspective and artistic expression. Don't forget to check out our students' artwork on display in the Nafie Building!
A Taste of Reading:
Third Graders
Explore New Genres

Turning Pages, Sparking Curiosity, and Inspiring Lifelong Readers

Our third graders enjoyed a literary adventure during a special book tasting event held outside their classroom! With a selection of new titles from the Book Fair, students had the opportunity to explore a variety of genres, discover new interests, and expand their reading horizons.
 
 
Much like sampling different dishes at a restaurant, students got a taste of different books, exploring stories and topics they might not typically choose. The activity encouraged students to step outside their reading comfort zones and discover the excitement of trying something new.
 
To keep the adventure going, students were challenged to read at least one book from each genre before the end of the school year. This creative approach to reading not only introduced students to new literary possibilities but also encouraged curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of reading!
Young Cougars Set
Sail at Early Learning STEM Night
 
 
At STEM Night last week, families joined students for the final part of the challenge: designing and adding a mast and sail to their boats. Together, they sketched ideas, selected materials, built sails, and tested their designs. Fans supplied the wind as families worked toward a safe crossing. Each boat needed to travel the length of the river with its sail standing and all three goats aboard, without taping them in place. Testing offered another opportunity to make repairs, adjust designs, and try again.
 
From the first pool experiments to the family challenge, the regatta brought science, technology, engineering, and math together through hands-on learning. Along the way, our youngest Cougars practiced creativity, collaboration, and perseverance while discovering each test can lead to a new idea. Clairbourn’s Early Learning STEM Night is just one example of the distinctive learning experiences our school offers. Read the full story.

Thank you to the faculty, staff, and families who helped make this shared learning adventure possible!

Follow Clairbourn

 

Important Dates

 
November 13:
• Free Dress Day
 
November 17:
• Pasta Lunch Day
• Special Dress Day! (Students dress like teachers, and teachers dress like students.)
 
November 19:
• Taco Lunch Day
 
November 20:
• Mothers & Grands Classroom Connections Visiting Day
• Clairbourn T-Shirt Day
• Half Day of School
 
November 23-27:
• No School (Thanksgiving Break)

Thank You for Supporting Our Fourth Grade Fundraiser!

 
Thank you to everyone who came out to support our fourth graders' service-learning project in partnership with Blaze Pizza! It was wonderful to see so many students, families, and friends coming together, enjoying time with one another, and supporting a meaningful cause. Funds raised will help cover the shipping costs of candy donated to the Los Angeles Veterans' Association.
 
 
We would also like to extend a special thank you to everyone who generously donated candy. Our fourth graders had a great time sorting and counting the donations, which totaled an incredible 101 pounds of candy. That is pretty sweet! We know the veterans will enjoy these special treats and appreciate the kindness of our school community.
 

Socktober Success: Clairbourn Cougars Exceed Donation Goal!

 
Thanks to the generosity of our students and families, the Cougar community collected 1,490 pairs of socks, surpassing this year's goal of 954 pairs! A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who participated and helped make this year's Socktober a success.
 
 
Your kindness and generosity truly reflect the caring spirit of our Cougar community!
 

Mothers & Grands Classroom Connections Visiting Day

Friday, November 20
8 am – 12 pm
Half Day of School
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. We look forward to seeing you there!

Life at Clairbourn

 
The sixth grade drama classes rehearsed, memorized, and performed monologues for their classmates. Students worked on developing their characters, practicing vocal expression and expressive physicality, and building confidence as they stepped in front of their peers to perform. It was wonderful to see students take creative risks and support one another throughout the process!
 
 
Need Vidigami support? Email the Director of Communications and Marketing, Jeanette Zamora.

Clairbourn Gift Policy

Gratitude is always welcome, but a gift is never necessary. A kind note or a genuine thank-you is always meaningful.
 
 
Clairbourn has a stated gift policy for all employees:
 
• Employees may only accept gifts and/or gift cards valued at $100 or less.
 
• Employees may accept a gift and/or gift card valued at more than $100 only if it is a collective gift and each individual's contribution is $100 or less (e.g., the Scrip gifts at the holidays and the end of the school year).
 
Please help us by following this policy. If you would like to do more than offer a note or word of thanks, please consider contributing to the group Scrip gifts during the holidays or at the end of the school year.
 
We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that employees are not placed in an uncomfortable situation. If an employee receives a gift that exceeds the permitted value, the excess must be returned or donated to the school.
 
 
Thank you for helping us create an inclusive environment!

Mark Your Calendars for Sugar Plum

Join us on Friday, December 11, in the Manor House following Morning Assembly and the Band Showcase. Sugar Plum is one of Clairbourn’s most cherished traditions.
 
 
Vendors interested in showcasing your products: Complete the Sugar Plum Vendor Registration Form
 
Questions? Please contact the Sugar Plum Chairs: Vanessa Hernandez, Rigbe Curtis, Cristina Lopez, and Donna Ngo

Dress Like a Teacher Day – Tuesday, November 17!

Get ready for a fun theme day on Tuesday, November 17! This time, the theme is Dress Like a Teacher!
 
 
Show your appreciation for our amazing teachers by dressing like one of them. You could wear PE clothes and a whistle to look like a PE teacher, a lab coat to dress like a science teacher, or a book-themed shirt to look like a librarian. You could even wear a Dodgers shirt to dress like Dr. Patzlaff! Let’s have fun celebrating our teachers and the unique personalities that make them so special.

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: Elizabeth LaPensée

 
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Student Council highlighted Elizabeth LaPensée, an award-winning Indigenous game designer, writer, artist, and researcher. LaPensée uses video games and comics to share Indigenous cultures, traditions, and history in creative and interactive ways. Her work includes Along the River of Spacetime, a virtual reality game exploring Indigenous star knowledge, and When Rivers Were Trails, an award-winning adventure game that explores the displacement of Native Americans in the 1890s.
 
 
LaPensée exemplifies Clairbourn’s mission of Creating Scholars and Leaders with Heart by combining creativity, technology, and cultural storytelling to educate and inspire others.
 
Photo credits: (top) Digital Culture & Education website; (bottom) Michigan State University website.
 
Show your Cougar spirit by visiting our Spirit Store!