Clarion Newsletter, September 8, 2023

Dear Parents and Friends of Clarion,

Now that our Early Years students have returned, we have all students back on campus. There is a buzz of excitement within the classrooms and hallways as we have had a wonderful start to the school year.

Here are some important updates:

1. Healthy Food Choices: Birthday Celebrations:

Just a gentle reminder to kindly touch base with your child's homeroom teacher before bringing any food items for birthday celebrations. While we embrace the joy of celebrating birthdays, we request that our parents avoid sending high-sugar items like donuts and heavily sugared birthday cakes. Given our diverse student population, which includes children with allergies and those whose families are mindful of sugar intake, we encourage alternatives such as fruit platters, fruit kebabs, dried fruit without added sugar, and low-fat yogurt parfaits. Please note, we are a nut free school.

Thank you for helping us create a healthier and more inclusive school environment.

We also request that children do not receive lunch deliveries. Please ensure your child comes to school with a healthy lunch and snack.

2. Parent / Guardian ID Reminder:

Parents must wear or present their Clarion parent ID card when entering the school premises. This measure is in place to ensure the safety of your children. Parent ID cards were distributed to new parents and those needing replacements this week. If you haven't received your ID card, please contact Rushna at rpatel@clarionschool.com to request one.

Starting Monday, September 11, parents without their parent ID card will be directed to obtain a visitor pass from our security guard at Gate 2. He will request your Emirates ID for this purpose.

Your continued support in maintaining a safe school environment is greatly appreciated.

3. Student Absence and Lates:

Students who are absent due to illness should inform their homeroom teacher, with an email copy to Poonam at admin@clarionschool.com and the school Nurse at kballares@clarionschool.com

Students arriving late to school (after 8:00 AM) should obtain a late pass from our reception staff before entering class.

4. Sun Protection and Hydration:

We monitor the outside temperature to determine if recess will be held outdoors or indoors. Morning recess may be outdoors, while lunch recess will be indoors. Students have been allocated time in the multipurpose hall during lunch recess.

Please apply sunscreen to your child before school and ensure they bring a hat. Send them with a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and protected from the sun throughout the day.

5. Teacher-Led Activities (CCIs) and External Vendor Provided Activities (CCEs):

A reminder of the start dates for these activities:

• External paid activities (CCEs) begin on Monday, September 11.
• Internal activities (CCIs) start on Monday, September 18.

We apologize for the CCI registration issue, as our external provider for this service experienced technical difficulties. The new registration link was shared with parents on Wednesday. For more information or questions, please contact Narsisa at nchamelo@clarionschool.com

6. Student Dismissal and Pickup:

For security reasons, we request that parents pick up their children from designated areas only. Here are the designated areas:

• PreK – K2: Parents pick up children from the classroom.
• Grades 1 & 2: Parents pick up children from Clarion Street directly outside the Atrium.
• Grades 3 & 4: Parents pick up children from the gymnasium.
• Grades 5, 6 & 7: Parents pick up children in front of the courtyard inside gate 3.

Please exercise extreme caution in the parking lot and drop-off areas.

7. Student Benchmark and Standardized Assessments:

It's the time of year for standardized and benchmark assessments to help guide your children's academic program.

The following assessments are scheduled:

• iReady Reading and Arabic Benchmark Assessments occurred this week.
• MAP assessments for students in Grades 3 – 7 will take place during the weeks of September 11 and 18.
• Grade 1 students will not be taking the MAP assessment, and Grade 2 will take the Spring testing only.
• External Arabic and Islamic standardized assessments are scheduled for the week of October 2.

8. Curriculum Night:

Our curriculum night offers parents an opportunity to learn about our curriculum and plans for student assessments this year. Parents can also visit their child's homeroom teacher to learn about the grade-level program.

Early Years (PreK – K2): On Monday, October 2, the schedule is as follows:

• From 5:00 pm to 5:15 pm in the Small Gym/Canteen.
• From 5:15 pm to 6:00 pm in your child's homeroom.

Elementary and Middle School (Grades 1 – 7): On Tuesday, October 3, the schedule is as follows:

• From 5:00 pm to 5:15 pm in the Small Gym/Canteen.
• From 5:15 pm to 6:00 pm in your child's Homeroom.

9. Fire Drill:

Our school conducted its first successful fire drill this week. Teachers were trained in the evacuation process before the drill. The entire school was evacuated safely, with the entire evacuation process taking approximately 3 minutes and 11 seconds.

In closing, I wish to extend my deepest appreciation to our parents for their steadfast support. Have a lovely weekend!

Sincerely,

Larry