Have a wonderful summer, Clearwater families!

Greetings, families of our first grade graduates!

What a wonderful ending to an incredible year.  After much celebrating, playing, swimming, sun burning, dodging rain, and reflecting, this week has been the perfect way to tie up the year and jump into summer. 

On our last morning together, we took the time as a community to reflect on highlights from the year...trips to Buttermilk Falls, the zoo, and the pool, sewing globe pillows, doing science experiments, meeting each other.... We wanted to take the time to let the students process and reflect about this year and the changes that next year will bring. Thinking back to the first day of school, the students could still remember how nervous and excited they felt.  To help the new first graders that will be joining us next year feel welcome, we took time to write little notes of encouragement to give them on the first day.  

Although next year will be different and we won't all be together in the same way, we will still make time to catch up at recess, the park, in the halls, and hopefully​​ do some special projects together:)

If you have time, take a look at a few photos from our last days at school (just request access if it doesn't automatically allow you to view... sorry for the inconvenience).  

Finally, keep an eye out for an email coming soon with different ideas, book suggestions, developmentally appropriate activities, chores, and projects that your child could do over the summer. 

That's all for now! We wish you all a glorious summer.

All the best,
--

Emily Bowar & Jessy Eaton Fabel

Clearwater Guides

"Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." ~ Maria Montessori"   

​

 VID_20180608_112342.mp4

​​

 IMG_20180606_110807.jpg

​​

 IMG_20180606_111028.jpg

​​

 IMG_20180606_111015.jpg

​​

 IMG_20180606_111009.jpg

​​

 IMG_20180608_103823.jpg

​​​​

 IMG_20180606_110824.jpg

​​

 IMG_20180606_111616.jpg

​​

 IMG_20180606_110958.jpg

​​

 IMG_20180606_111346.jpg

​​

 IMG_20180606_110953.jpg

​​

 IMG_20180328_140156.jpg

​

The Giving Tree

Thanks for the suggestions. Click the link below to view all of your children contributing to our performabce of The Giving Tree. Let us know if it didn't work. Enjoy!

https://drive.google.com/a/greatriverschool.org/file/d/1ONn1nu89kEQnvs8nf523bfYAc0hSOasK/view?usp=drivesdk

Clearwater Reminders: LAST WEEK

Greetings, Clearwater Families!

We hope many of you had the chance to connect at the All School Picnic yesterday and enjoy the beautiful friday night.  

Here's what to expect and here are a few requests for the last week:

1. Please have your child bring 2-3 books to enjoy on Monday and Tuesday. We have had to pack up most of our books in the classroom :( so it would be wonderful if your child could bring in a couple of books to read during our silent reading time in the afternoon. 
2. Como Pool on Wednesday! Please help your child remember to bring the following: backpack, walking shoes, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, packed lunch, and water bottle. They may also bring goggles or a life jacket (they will also supply life jackets at the pool). Please do not send pool toys or money.  
3. Clean up day on Thursday. The children will be helping with clean up around the room and they will be bringing home all of their work on Thursday. If you can, please send in an extra bag, just in case.
4. Noon Dismissal on Friday! Can you believe this is only 6 days away!? Please do not send a backpack or lunch on this day. They will be dismissed right from the ceremony.

Also, our community had the chance to perform The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein yesterday for our first grade neighbors (excited to have more space to invite families in the future!). The children worked hard and came together and put on a beautiful performance. Trying to find the best way to share the video with you. If any of you have any digital expertise in sharing 7 minute long videos, we'd appreciate your advice!

Wishing you all the best and more,

--

Emily Bowar & Jessy Eaton Fabel

Clearwater Guides

"Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." ~ Maria Montessori"   

Clearwater Announcement: Field Day Tomorrow!

Dear Families,

We are excited for a fun day outdoors tomorrow afternoon.  The seniors have been hard at work planning a Field Day for our elementary students.  Please remember to send along the following with your child:

-water bottle (if not already at school)

-good shoes for active play (a hat for good measure)

-sunscreen (please apply at home and feel free to send along if your child will reapply at school)

Thanks so much.  

--

Emily Bowar & Jessy Eaton Fabel

Clearwater Guides

"Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." ~ Maria Montessori"   

Como Zoo Tomorrow! Please Read :)

Good Morning, Clearwater Families!

We have been getting excited for our upcoming trip to the zoo and to do our scavenger hunt of the 5 vertebrates!  We will be spending the whole day at the zoo, so please be sure to help your child bring the following:

- Water Bottle

- Backpack

- Light clothing (should be near 90 degrees tomorrow)

- Walking shoes (it is a 1.6 mile walk to the zoo)

- Packed lunch

- Apply sunscreen before school. We also have spray-on sunscreen that we can help your child apply.

Big thanks to all of our parent volunteers that have offered to chaperone tomorrow! Should be a fun-packed day!

Warm regards,

--

Emily Bowar & Jessy Eaton Fabel

Clearwater Guides

"Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." ~ Maria Montessori"   

Clearwater Newsletter 5-17-2017

Hello Families!

HUGE thanks to so many of you for making it in for work share. We know that it can be hard to meet during the day and your children were so thrilled to share what they can do. It's encouraging to see that they are still motivated to do this great work even as we approach the summer months.

Lessons we've had...

• Ecology Webs
• Metric and Standard Measurement
• Rounding
• Mountain Study
• Types of Regular Polygons
• Seed Dispersal
• Large Bead Frame
• The Blank Time Line
• Racks and Tubes (Long Division)
• Addition Math Facts

Upcoming Events and Reminders

Sunscreen and Water Bottles: With the days getting hotter and hotter, thank you for helping your child remember to bring in their water bottles and put on or bring in sunscreen for recess.

Como Zoo on Friday, May 25 - Thanks to all of our volunteer chaperones! Expect a message with more details soon!

Field Day on Thursday, May 31st - An afternoon hosted by the adolescents during the school day. This would be a good day to make sure your child is wearing appropriate outdoor clothing for running, possibly getting a little wet, and being out in the sun.

Como Pool on Wednesday, June 6th - An all school day event. Please let us know if you need another copy of the permission slip.

Snack Volunteers - Please check to see if your snack week is coming up. Click here to check and see if you would like to sign up for any other volunteer opportunities. Here's who's up in the LAST THREE WEEKS (can you believe it??!!):

May 21-25	Embry Wilson
May 29-Jun. 1	Shylin Halvorson
Jun. 4-8	Leo Thomas

We are so incredibly grateful for all of your support. 

Warm regards,

--

Emily Bowar & Jessy Eaton Fabel

Clearwater Guides

"Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." ~ Maria Montessori"   

Workshare

Hello Wonderful Families,

It was lovely to see so many of you at work share last week and we look forward to seeing more families tomorrow afternoon for our second work share event.  The South door (to the elementary building) will be unlocked at 1:30.  We ask you to wait until this time to enter so classrooms can prepare and continue their afternoon work periods.  Also, we will be enjoying time outside, on the playground, after work share.  We ask you to join us there if you are waiting for a sibling.  

We hare excited to welcome you tomorrow and have the children show you all they can do!

--

Emily Bowar & Jessy Eaton Fabel

Clearwater Guides

"Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." ~ Maria Montessori"   

Clearwater Notes and Reminders

Hello Families,

We just have three notes and reminders for you today:

1. Como Pool - June 6th: Yesterday, we sent home permission slips with your children for our trip to Como Pool on Wednesday, June 6th.  It's an optional field trip, but please take a look at the form when you get the chance. 

2. Parent Appreciation Day: Due to lack of space, unfortunately, we have decided as a level that we will not be able to host parent appreciation day at school.  But keep an eye out for a little appreciation coming your way...

3. A note from the administration:

Dear Elementary Parents,

The end of the year is quickly approaching!  Many classrooms are planning off campus adventures and we want to make sure that families are aware of a safety protocol that was developed in elementary this year to ensure the safety of all students.

In order to participate in off campus activities, students must follow community norms.  If a student demonstrates a significant challenge to follow adult instructions that could lead to safety concerns, the student will remain on campus doing an alternate activity.

If there are safety concerns regarding your child, you will be contacted by your child's classroom guide.  Additionally, if behavior challenges happen while off campus, parents will be notified that there is a concern and the possibility that they will need to pick up their child.

We look forward to finishing off the year in ways that are joyful and safe for all students!

--

Emily Bowar & Jessy Eaton Fabel

Clearwater Guides

"Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." ~ Maria Montessori"   

Newsletter

Greetings, Clearwater Families!!

We have been greatly enjoying the warm weather!! We were even able to spend a little extra time at the park this week :) 

Lessons we've had...

• The Blank Time Line
• Area of a Rectangle - Intro
• Compound Sentences  
• Mammal Characteristics 
• Geometric Equivalence
  
• The Preposition 
• Position of 2 Lines
• Racks and Tubes ( Long Division) 

Upcoming Events and Reminders 

Next week is Spirit Week! PLease refer to Stacey's email or the flyer that was sent home for details of each day. 

Lower Elementary Work Share  - May 10th & May 17th

We are excited to invite you to our LE Work Share event on Thursday, May 10th and Thursday, May 17th, from 1:30-2:30pm.  During this time your child will get to teach you their favorite work, and show you around their classroom. Each afternoon has limited space and we hope by limiting the number of children, we can allow more space and uninterrupted time for them to show their favorite work each afternoon. When you arrive your child will greet you and lead you through the afternoon.  Guides will be present, but will intentionally stay in the background, in an effort to make space for your child to lead and shine. Click here and please sign up only for one spot.

 

We look forward to hosting these events for you and your children. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments!

Dates to put on the calendar: More details will come home for each event as they get closer.

Como Zoo on May 25

Field Day on Thursday, May 31st

Parent Appreciation on June 5th

Como Pool on June June 6th

Ms. Swims - We have a family that will take care of Ms Swims for the summer. Thank You, Pose Family!

Snack Volunteers - Please check to see if your snack week is coming up. Click here to check and see if you would like to sign up for any other volunteer opportunities. Here's who's up in the next two weeks:

May 7-11	Simeon Thompson
May 14-18	William Hang

Have an amazing Weekend!

--

Emily Bowar & Jessy Eaton Fabel

Clearwater Guides

"Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." ~ Maria Montessori"   

Clearwater Quick Announcements

Greetings, Families!

 

Here are some quick reminders and announcements about upcoming events:

• Lower Elementary Work Share - Thursday, May 10th & Thursday, May 17th - 1:30-2:30 PM: Click here to learn more about the event and to sign up for a slot. This is a great opportunity for your child to show you their favorite works and how independent they can be. Hope you can make it!

• Como Zoo - Friday, May 25th -   We're currently looking for 3 more chaperones to join us at the zoo. We will be walking to the zoo at approximately 9:30 and we will be back at GRS at about 2:30. If you're interested, please let us know.  

The following chaperones have signed up to join us - please let us know if you are still able to join us :)

• Lesley Tupy
  
• Heather Kolnick
  
• Bri Byram
  
• Sara Nelson
  

--

Emily Bowar & Jessy Eaton Fabel

Clearwater Guides

"Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." ~ Maria Montessori"   

Clearwater Newsletter 4-20-2018

Greetings, Clearwater Families!!

Thanks for bearing with the weather and continuing to send snow gear as we all continue to thaw. Hopefully we won't need them next week! 

There is an important event that you will all be invited to - please take a moment to check upcoming events and reminders below... 

Lessons we've had...

• Bird Study
• Bar Graphs
• Roman Numerals
• Stamp Game Multiplication
• Parts of a Mountain
• Rock Cycle
• Root Study
• Fraction Equivalence
• Geometric Equivalence
• Singular and Plural Nouns
• The Earth's Tilt
• Radient Heat

Upcoming Events and Reminders 

Lower Elementary Work Share  - May 10th & May 17th

We are excited to invite you to our LE Work Share event on Thursday, May 10th and Thursday, May 17th, from 1:30-2:30pm.  During this time your child will get to teach you their favorite work, and show you around their classroom. Each afternoon has limited space and we hope by limiting the number of children, we can allow more space and uninterrupted time for them to show their favorite work each afternoon. When you arrive your child will greet you and lead you through the afternoon.  Guides will be present, but will intentionally stay in the background, in an effort to make space for your child to lead and shine. Click here and please sign up only for one spot.

 

We see this event as different from a more casual Open House event; this afternoon is focused on connecting with your child, and letting them guide you around their interest and activities.  To better facilitate that opportunity, here are some guidelines:

 

1. Please choose which one adult will accompany each child. 

2. Please do not bring any siblings. This will help give space and attention to the work your child is sharing.

3. While it is tempting to connect with the other parents, or guides, please try to keep your focus to your child, and what they are doing. 

4. While it is tempting to record for posterity, please leave your phone or camera outside the classroom. Be present in the moment with your child. 

4. If your child should ask you to do something for them, first ask questions like 'what would you do if I wasn't here?', or 'I would love to see how you do it, yourself'. Remember that your child is very independent in their work here at school, and can ask another child for help, giving that child a chance to practice their skills as well.

 

We look forward to hosting these events for you and your children. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments!

Ms. Swims - If your family is still interested in caring for our turtle, you can start thinking about whether or not you would like to look after him for part of the summer.. 

Snack Volunteers - Please check to see if your snack week is coming up. Click here to check and see if you would like to sign up for any other volunteer opportunities. Here's who's up in the next two weeks:

Apr. 23-27	Mina Perin
Apr. 30-May 4	Seamus Kane

In anticipation,

--

Emily Bowar & Jessy Eaton Fabel

Clearwater Guides

"Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." ~ Maria Montessori"   

Newsletter

Greetings, Clearwater Families!

Happy Spring Break!! 

Lessons we've had...

• Suffixes
• + Facts and Rocket Math
• Multiplication on the Checkerboard
• Animal Function Questions
• Where do our resources come from
• Parts of a leaf
• Elastic Solids

Upcoming Events & Reminders

Spring Break - No School March 30th-April 8th

Ms. Swims - A family has volunteer to take our dear Ms. Swims for spring break (Thank you, Berg Family!), but if your family is still interested in caring for our turtle, you can start thinking about whether or not you would like to look after him for part of the summer.. 

We really enjoyed our visit from a turtle expert, Owen. He came to the classroom to talk about turtles and brought a couple of his own to show us. He also informed us that our turtle is a girl so for now she is Miss Swims :)  See attached pictures​

 IMG_20180326_135419.jpg

​​

 IMG_20180326_134654.jpg

​. 

Donations - Thank You, Thank you!! We have so many great post its, sharpies, paper towels and other amazing things to finish up the year!

You can email us if you are interested in donating or you can fill in your name on our Volunteer Sign Up.

Snack Volunteers - Please check to see if your snack week is coming up. Click here to check and see if you would like to sign up for any other volunteer opportunities. Here's who's up in the next two weeks:

Apr. 9-13	Max Tupy
Apr. 16-20	Mila Sibert

Have a Great week off!!!

--

Emily Bowar & Jessy Eaton Fabel

Clearwater Guides

"Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." ~ Maria Montessori"   

Clearwater Announcements: Lockdown Drill and Indoor Shoes/Water Bottles

Dear Clearwater Families,

We just have two announcements to share with all of you: 

1. Indoor Shoes and Water Bottles: Thank you for letting us send home indoor shoes and water bottles to wash over conferences! Now we need them back to prevent muddy boots from coming into the classroom and to stay hydrated.
2. Lockdown Drill: Yesterday, we had a school-wide lockdown drill with intruder where we practiced gathering in a hidden corner of the classroom with the doors locked.  Shortly before the drill, we had a discussion with the children about what this would look like and why we practice this type of drill. Basically, we let the children know that the guides' most important job is to keep all of them safe, and that practicing this type of drill allows us to make sure we have done all we can.  We wanted to let you know of this drill since it might bring up further questions at home, but also so you could even take the opportunity to have an intentional conversation with your child about this unfortunate reality (if you feel that would be appropriate). 

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.   

Warm regards, 

--

Emily Bowar & Jessy Eaton Fabel

Clearwater Guides

"Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." ~ Maria Montessori"   

Clearwater Newsletter 3-16-2018

Greetings, Clearwater Families!

We are so grateful that we had the chance to meet with so many of you over conferences. It was wonderful to take the time to reflect on your children and realize just how much they even grown since our conferences in the Fall. 

Lessons we've had...

• Right Angle Hunt
• + Facts and Rocket Math
• Verb
• Diamantes (poetry)
• Parts of a River
• Little Animal Stories
• Money Equivalence
• Positions of 2 lines
• Short Bead Frame
• Synonyms
• Nomad Stories
• Economic Geography - Bread and Clothing
• Animal Questions (how do they move, what do they eat, etc.)
• Quadrilaterals

Upcoming Events & Reminders

Spring Break - No School March 30th-April 8th

Mr. Swims - A family has volunteer to take our dear Mr. Swims for spring break (Thank you, Berg Family!), but if your family is still interested in caring for our turtle, you can start thinking about whether or not you would like to look after him for part of the summer..

Donations - If you are willing and able, please take a look at a few items that we would appreciate for our community: 

• 90 Watt Splashproof Halogen Lamp (for Mr. Swims)
• Black Sharpies
• Package of Tape Refills
• Post-Its

You can email us if you are interested in donating or you can fill in your name on our Volunteer Sign Up.

Snack Volunteers - Please check to see if your snack week is coming up. Click here to check and see if you would like to sign up for any other volunteer opportunities. Here's who's up in the next two weeks:

Mar. 19-23	Lucile Prose
Mar. 26-30	Marlo Byram

--

Emily Bowar & Jessy Eaton Fabel

Clearwater Guides

"Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." ~ Maria Montessori"   

Clearwater Announcements: Sacks, Turtle Care, Half Day Wed.

Greetings Clearwater Families!

Here are a three announcements that we wanted to share with you on this short week:

1. Sack for Winter Gear - Please send in a large sack (tote, trash bag, etc.) to send home winter gear to be washed over the long weekend.
2. Wednesday, March 15th - Noon Dismissal - We will not be eating lunch on Wednesday. There will be no Big Canoe Kids Club. Bussers will still be bussed home.  
3. Turtle Care for Spring Break - We are seeing if any of you are interested and able to care for our dear Mr. Swims over spring Break (March 30-April 8). If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.

Enjoy your Tuesday!

All the best,

--

Emily Bowar & Jessy Eaton Fabel

Clearwater Guides

"Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." ~ Maria Montessori"