private nursery school – Page 6 – Clairbourn School News

October 2, 2020October 2, 2020

Can a Code of Ethics Guide Political Discussion?

As we launch into election season, educators and parents need to be aware of our roles in maintaining civility in student discourse, cultivating critical thinking, and maintaining our ethical standards. This is a challenging task in any election year, but even more so now as the country seems to be quite polarized and divided. As you know, the challenge of maintaining respectful discourse is heightened in the discussion of topics that are highly emotional or charged in some way. As you navigate these waters in your homes, it might be helpful to keep the Clairbourn Code of Ethics in mind and help the children do the same.

Let respect, responsibility, honesty, citizenship, and spirituality lead the way. Each individual has political views, informed by personal experiences, information gathered from a variety of sources, and our own visceral responses to what we see. There are certain topics that illicit a strong response in each of us, sometimes a highly emotional response. This is completely normal for people who care.

I challenge you to express these views and feel things passionately while maintaining a language of respect and civility as you share your personal views in your homes. Your children are watching, listening, and learning from you. Help them to understand WHY you take a certain position. Help them understand WHY others may feel differently. Help them understand WHY you value your sources for election information rather than social medial posts. Help them to support their opinions with facts. Help them examine comments they hear with a discerning ear. Help them understand the benefits of having conversations to understand multiple perspectives.

In class, we endeavor to have our students express themselves clearly and thoughtfully. We want them to think critically and work to understand each other. We honor the diverse views of our families, and challenge the students to express these views with respect. When parents consistently model this at home, it makes it much easier for the students to carry this style of discourse to the classroom.

We know that the conversations will not be perfect, but we will work to maintain civility and respect in our classes. To me, the Clairbourn Code of Ethics is a great filter for the whole political scene. If we all express our thoughts with RESPECT, share only that which is HONEST, act in ways that are RESPONSIBLE, behave as good CITIZENS, and ground ourselves in SPIRITUALITY, we will all be better for it!

The Clairbourn family is not affiliated with a political party, but we stand firmly for the principles in our Code of Ethics! It is nice to have something that we can all agree on and support together.

Clairbourn’s Code of Ethics – Five Core Values

Clairbourn School values honesty, respect, responsibility, spirituality, and citizenship. These five values reflect different facets of a single virtue: character.

Honesty

Honesty is being truthful with yourself and others. Honesty results in fairness for each member of the Clairbourn community and makes for a life of integrity. It means that we adhere to our values when alone or in the presence of others. An honest person is genuine, sincere, honorable, and trustworthy.

Respect

Respect is treating others as we would like to be treated. Respect is the cornerstone for developing and maintaining a harmonious and productive working relationship with all members of the Clairbourn community. It requires, in both words and actions, a recognition and understanding of the essential being and background of others. Characteristics central to respect include empathy, fairness, open-mindedness, patience, and inclusiveness.

Responsibility

Responsibility is being accountable for our actions and accepting the consequences of our actions. Responsibility is the foundation for taking charge of our lives. Responsible people stand behind what they say and do even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient to do so. Characteristics central to responsibility include accountability, reliability, perseverance, and self-control.

Spirituality

Spirituality is believing in a purpose and power higher than ourselves and in the innate goodness of humankind. Spirituality results in a peaceful and empathetic environment for members of the Clairbourn community. It requires us to look for the best in every person and situation. It means that we think well of ourselves and others and proclaim this fact to the world through noble and quiet deeds. Qualities associated with spirituality include compassion, forgiveness, generosity, gratitude, humility, kindness, and a genuine love for mankind.

Citizenship

Citizenship is the value which calls for every member of a community to work to better that community with their actions and attitudes. It is essential for a strong, vibrant, and productive school environment. It means setting aside exclusive self-interest and striving to improve life for all citizens through public service, volunteer work, knowledge, tolerance, and cooperation. Characteristics central to good citizenship include respect for others, adherence to rules and laws, commitment to the principles of democracy and justice, and loyalty to community, country, and purpose.

Clairbourn School Provides Private School Education for Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary School, and Middle School Grades | Serving Families in the Pasadena, California, Area and Surrounding Cities (K-12 Private Schools) Clairbourn is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Click here to request information.

Creating Scholars and Leaders with Heart

October 1, 2020October 2, 2020

How You Can Help Others Get Stronger from Stress

As Head of School for Clairbourn, which provides private education for Preschool to Grade 8 students, I read a few interesting studies recently that talked about cultivating resilience and the difficulty of unrelenting stress.

In one of the studies, the author discussed the notion that stress is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, you need a little stress in your experience to encourage you to make changes. The tension or discomfort of not doing one’s best is what makes us try harder the next time. This is the way stress can actually help us come out stronger or more resilient from challenges. The struggle makes us stronger.

However, when the stress is unrelenting, it can wear on a person (child or adult). This kind of scenario tends not to strengthen, but to weaken the person involved. But there is a way to ensure the stress is not unrelenting. There are very simple ways to interrupt the stress and give a moment to have the growth and rejuvenation that we all need after a time of struggle.

In one study, they found clear evidence that the best way to counteract or interrupt stress is with love. I know, it sounds a little sentimental, but the act of hugging, or snuggling on the couch, or having your arm around your child when you read them a story actually makes a physical difference. That hug gives you a physical break from stress. (For those who are interested, the hormone oxytocin that is released during these times of social bonding is sometimes called the “cuddle hormone” or the “love hormone.” This is a biological signal to the body that it is safe and can relax.)

So even in times of prolonged difficulty, taking a minute to hug your child actually helps both you and your child release some of the tension or stress that may be stockpiling. For those of you who are not feeling stressed, the hugs and cuddling will help maintain your equilibrium.

When your child is acting “prickly” hug them, because they NEED it. When they are frustrated or irritable hug them, because they need it. When you are at your wit’s end, hug them because YOU need it! Apparently the Beatles knew what they were talking about “All You Need is Love!”

I am sending each and every one of you a big virtual hug from Clairbourn, because we ALL need it! (This concept comes mainly from a short book called Childhood, Interrupted by Sanjay Gupta MD)

Amy Patzlaff, Ed.D.Head of School

Creating Scholars and Leaders with Heart

August 19, 2020August 19, 2020

Nine Things that Matter – But Only One that Truly Counts!

Head of School Dr. Amy Patzlaff with Clairbourn students from the Fall of 2019

As the Head of School for Clairbourn, caring for our parents, in addition to students and staff, is always on my mind. Recently, an in-depth article from DevelopmentalScience.com caught my eye called, “Pandemic 2020: Will the Kids Be All Right? Lessons on Parenting from 100 Years of Crises.” It contains a lot of helpful explanations and advice for parents dealing with their fears about how to raise children successfully in the midst of so much uncertainty.

Can children go on to lead successful lives and flourish in the face of educational disruptions and great adversity? Research shows that, while there are nine important elements that offer full coverage for children’s wellbeing, the real key to favorable outcomes boils down to one thing, and the good news is, it’s you!

August 12, 2020August 12, 2020

An Important Message of Pandemic Hope from Clairbourn Alumna Tiffany Chang

Tiffany Chang, from Clairbourn’s Class of 2018, sees the opportunities embedded in every crisis. She credits her elementary school, Clairbourn, for the optimistic thoughts that inspired an award-winning video she made for the Center for Future Global Leaders (CFGL) Young Artist Competition. She says, “I will always be grateful to Clairbourn as the school has always taught me to look at the positive side of every situation and to stay optimistic even during the most difficult times. I will never forget the important life lessons Clairbourn instilled in me.”

Over a period of about 2 weeks, fueled by her positive-outlook habits and motivated by her own optimistic actions while staying at home, she scripted, animated, and recorded an artistic video on the topic of “Hope” for the CFGL competition. Her “Leaders of Tomorrow Video During the Pandemic” project was designed for parents and students, and reveals a path out of hopelessness by making a point of looking at the brighter side of the stay-at-home-order and disruptions to normal routines.

After addressing the world-wide toll on health and the derailment of education in the era of COVID-19, she uses the powerful and repeated reframing question, “What if?” “What if this generation is advanced because of this pandemic?” Tiffany’s project presents 18 reframing questions in total that provide ample reasons for optimism in the face of great hardship. As a result, her project not only delivered on the intended inspiration, but it also won her a $300 prize and a top spot as a national finalist in the CFGL competition.

We invite you to watch her video below, read the transcript that follows, and then learn more about Tiffany’s impressive record of philanthropy and community service:

August 7, 2020August 7, 2020

Set Your Child Up for Home-Study Success

With school starting up in Remote Learning formats at almost all school locations, now is a great time to set up your child with everything they need to support their home studies.

This personalized work space is inviting with a cozy rug, several chairs, and colorful posters.

Begin by considering a properly-equipped location in your home where your child can learn. Experts say that, “Without a specific learning spot, young learners can be easily distracted, they don’t have supplies they need nearby, and there’s no sense of consistency. The family couch, then, as comfortable and easy as it seems, may not be the right option for young children needing to learn about routines, early education, and self-regulation.”¹

While assessing the available space in the home, ask yourself what type of setup would provide the most consistency in your child’s learning? Would portable learning boxes for different subjects work best, or would it work better to create a designated area of the house where they have everything out and ready? Are there electrical outlets to plug in lights and to keep devices charged? Should there be a simple or a stimulating environment for my child? What are their favorite things to look at and interact with to keep them engaged?¹

August 6, 2020August 7, 2020

College Applications: Clairbourn Alums Share Advice

Clairbourn School held a virtual panel in July 2020 featuring alums who offered advice on the college application process. Panelists included Kristofer Chang ‘16, who will be attending Harvey Mudd College, Jada Gritton ‘16, who will be attending the University of Pennsylvania, and Salvatore Rego ’15, now attending the College of William and Mary. The panel’s moderator was Mina Kasama, From Clairbourn’s Class of 2011, who attended Dalhousie University for her undergrad and is currently pursuing an MA in International Relations at American University.

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Clairbourn School held a virtual panel, in July of 2020, featuring alums offering advice on the college application process. Panelists included Kristofer Chang and Jada Gritton, from Clairbourn’s Class of 2016, with the former attending Harvey Mudd College and the latter attending the University of Pennsylvania, and Salvatore Rego, from Clairbourn’s Class of 2015, now attending the College of William and Mary.

Watch the recorded virtual panel here, or read the following notes from the meeting below .

July 22, 2020August 19, 2020

Remote Learning Done Right!

Many parents in the Los Angeles area have heard that, as of July 17, 2020, area schools are required by Governor Newsom to be in Remote-Learning mode in the fall. This has left people searching for answers to find out what their school is offering compared with other schools, will their child have a quality experience this time around, and will there be improvements to what families experienced in the Spring of 2020.

A Clairbourn Kindergarten student works on a class assignment in her designated home workspace.

To help answer those questions, Clairbourn School is sharing what it has learned about building a quality Remote Learning Program based on its recent experience with its students, parent feedback from surveys, and consultation with experts.

Success with remote learning requires several school-side factors to exist in combination with a home environment configured to support the student including the basics of a quite place to complete work and a daily schedule.

Here are 10 indicators that you are partnered with a school with a quality Remote Learning Program:

July 6, 2020October 2, 2020

Clairbourn is Named Best Private School Two Years in a Row!

Several months ago Readers Choice Magazine asked families across the San Gabriel Valley to vote for their favorite schools. We are proud to announce that for the second year in a row, Clairbourn School won Best Private School for 2020, and the news was published the the June 28 issue of Readers Choice Magazine. You can view the posting here: http://sgvn.readerschoice.la/places/clairbourn-school/ Thanks for your enthusiastic support of Clairbourn School!

Creating Scholars and Leaders with Heart

June 23, 2020June 23, 2020

Rmax Goodwin, Class of 2008 – Los Angeles Magician Discusses Networking and Mentorship

Magician Rmax Goodwin, from Clairbourn’s Class of 2008

While our Clairbourn School alums end up in a multitude of industries, there is a common thread that runs through their stories. They are hardworking, dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives, and they are impressively accomplished. They also understand the importance of giving back, which this featured alum, Rmax Goodwin, demonstrates so well.

Rmax (pronounced Ar-Max) Goodwin became interested in magic when he was six years old, and at Clairbourn School, he was encouraged by his teacher, Mrs. Wreede, to audition at the Magic Castle. His life changed at this point when the Magic Castle became a resource for him to network and learn from some of the modern-day masters. His pursuit of excellence in his craft also made him keenly aware of the intellectual and academic parts of performing. He recognized that the audience-performer relationship is quite complex and that his mentalism, which is punctuated by unique presentations, had to be well-researched and practiced over and over again. This was where he put his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Pitzer College to use, as he applies his ability to think persuasively and logically to his unique and sophisticated form of entertainment.

June 4, 2020June 9, 2020

A Special Graduation for the Resilient Class of 2020

How do you properly honor a group of 8th grade students, full of achievements and ready to graduate, who have spent as many as 11 years of their childhood at one school? Due to the pandemic of 2020, normal graduation ceremonies and gatherings were not allowed, but Clairbourn found a way to honor each student with a special family graduation appointment. Using the spacious center quad to present diplomas was perfect because it allowed for social distancing, beautiful photographs, a symbolic graduation walk, and contactless delivery of the diplomas because parents were asked to hand the diplomas to their children and shake their hands.