Dear Clarion Parents,

As we open the doors to the 2024-2025 academic year, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead.

The vibrant energy of our KG2 to Grade 8 students has already infused our halls with a renewed spirit. We eagerly await the arrival of our youngest learners in PreK and KG1 on Monday, September 2.

This year marks a significant milestone for Clarion as we expand and evolve to meet the needs of our growing community. I am thrilled to announce the introduction of our Grade 8 program and the launch of our new nursery program, providing a comprehensive educational experience from the earliest years through middle school.

Despite our growth, we remain deeply committed to maintaining the warm and nurturing atmosphere that makes Clarion a truly special place for your child's learning.

Early Years: Making Learning Visible

At Clarion, we believe learning should be an exciting adventure, especially for our youngest students. This year, we are delighted to introduce the theme of "Making Learning Visible" in our Early Years program. Our classrooms will become vibrant environments where children’s thoughts, questions, and discoveries are celebrated, empowering them to take ownership of their learning journey. Using strategies like curiosity boxes, big question-driven inquiry, conversational literacy, and visible thinking routines such as "I See, I Think, I Wonder," we help students engage with their learning processes.

Curiosity Boxes will fill our classrooms with intriguing objects that spark exploration and inquiry. Our "What’s in My Brown Bag?" activity will bridge learning between school and home, while our enhanced literacy approach focuses on engaging conversational methods. We look forward to events such as "Breakfast with Books" in October and "D.E.A.R (Drop Everything And Read!)" sessions on the football field, creating cozy reading moments together.

Our field trips will offer rich, meaningful experiences, including beach and park clean- ups that raise environmental awareness and inspire our “Art Auction”—an event where artworks created from collected materials will be auctioned to support children in need.

This year, we’re enhancing our program by embedding the successful maker space concept, combined with Visible Thinking Routines, to develop our young learners’ meta- learning abilities. We are also excited to involve our parents in "Designing Outdoor Learning Spaces" with their children.

Elementary School: A Year of Growth and Discovery

We are excited to unveil several new initiatives aimed at enriching your child’s learning experience. Our youngest learners will benefit from the Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory language program, designed to build foundational reading skills. Students in Grades 3 to 8 will delve into word morphology to deepen their understanding of language structure and vocabulary.

We are also launching the inaugural Clarion Spelling Bee, where students will compete for the coveted Clarion Bee Award, fostering a spirit of friendly competition and sharpening their spelling skills.

For our budding inventors in Grades 2 through 5, the Young Inventors Expo will provide an opportunity to create inventions that benefit their communities, running alongside our middle school STEM Expo. Our school-wide math competitions for Grade 1- Grade 5 will make math engaging and fun, while streaming in math and literacy will allow students to work with peers of similar ability levels. To add, our Grade 5 students will enjoy an annual overnight camping trip, offering a unique chance for bonding and creating lasting memories.

Middle School: Expanding Horizons

We are thrilled to share some exciting updates for the 2024-2025 academic year, designed to enrich your child's middle school journey.

One of the most significant developments is the introduction of an Honors Pathway, specifically tailored for students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. This pathway is designed to challenge and inspire our highest achievers, preparing them for future academic success.

Our curriculum is also expanding with a range of dynamic and engaging courses tailored to different grade levels that will ignite curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of various subjects. These new offerings include Engineering Investigation & Inquiry Internship, Middle School Research Skills, Understanding Money/Personal Finance/Economics, World History, Civics, United States History, and other exciting options such as Entrepreneurship, Film Makers, Debate & Public Speaking, and Creative Writing & Mass Media. These courses are carefully designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need for both academic and personal growth.

A highlight of the year will be our annual STEAM Expo, featuring a variety of exciting competitions, including banner design, coding, robotics, bridge building, egg drop, mousetrap car races, bottle rocket launches, and a science fair focused on investigation and invention. Adding to the excitement, students' artistic talents will be on full display with a Term 1 art exhibit, where selected pieces will be showcased, with students serving as docents. Advanced music students will also have the opportunity to perform during the Expo, making it a true celebration of creativity and innovation.

Beyond the classroom, we are offering a wide range of extracurricular activities that will help students explore their passions and develop real-world skills. The F1 in Schools Formula Ethara National Competition returns, along with our Power Club, designed for secondary students interested in career exploration. The Clarion Buddy Program will continue to foster meaningful connections between older and younger students. Additionally, students can participate in musical productions, Student Council, Eco Heroes, literacy competitions, Arabic/Islamic competitions, and the Spelling Bee, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Finally, be sure to mark your calendars for two major events this year: the STEAM Expo in Term 2 and the Power Club Profile Presentation in Term 3. These events will showcase students' learning and achievements, providing a platform for them to shine and share their hard work with our community.

As we embark on this new academic year, I invite you to join us in making Clarion School a place where every child can thrive. Whether you are a returning family or considering joining our community, there has never been a better time to be a part of Clarion School.

Sincerely,

Larry