Copy

The Exploris School Newsletter
December 2nd, 2019


Message From the Executive Director


Dear Exploris Community,
 
It’s hard to imagine that 2019 is coming to a close in a few weeks.  I am looking forward to celebrating the holidays with my children and extended family.   The end of the year is also a great time to reflect on all that has been accomplished over the year and look forward to the future.  Our Exploris children continue to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Many grades held their end of trimester showcases before break highlighting their work including the 7th-grade science fair and 5th-grade study of weather and how they plan to improve our world.  Students demonstrated their research, writing, and effective communication skills.  Many grade levels also held food drives to support those less fortunate and delivered food collected to help families and seniors at Glenwood Towers.  
 
The first trimester has ended and achievement reports will be shared this week.  Please reach out to your child’s crew teacher to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your child. Teachers will continue to monitor individual student progress on standards and analyze all student data including state tests, classroom assessments, and project portfolios to ensure that all students continue to grow academically to reach their full potential.  We will also strive to ensure that we keep a healthy balance and facilitate the development of the whole child and the joy of learning.
 
Admissions and Lottery
 
Parent events and tours will be available for families interested in applying to Exploris for the upcoming school year.  Please remember to complete an application if you have a sibling that you would like to enter into the lottery.   Applications are due by February 1, 2019, by 4 pm.  Additional information about the admission process can be found on our Admissions Webpage. Please share with your friends and family and post on your social media.
 
 
Building Update and Planning for the Future
 
I wanted to share a quick update and some highlights on the progress toward finding a future location for Exploris.  As you know the Board facilities committee is actively working to find solutions for our new school location.  In addition to working with realtors, we have made some connections and looked at potential properties to consider.   
 
Additionally, I have reached out to Shaw University, St. Augustine's University, and Dorothea Dix Park to pursue opportunities for land acquisition and strategic partnerships.  Last week I participated in an interview process with Shaw University and the Urban Land Institute to address future real estate and strategic partnerships. I shared our desire to acquire property in downtown Raleigh and identify synergies between our educational institutions that could benefit our schools and the greater Raleigh community. There was an article in N&O recently which can be read here.  I will continue to pursue this as one option for consideration for our future facilities needs and keep the community updated. I will also plan for staff and family input sessions when we have more details to share and alternatives to consider.   There is still a great deal of work that needs to be done and it will take time for all aspects to align. I look forward to finding a forever home for Exploris.  
 
Annual Fund Update
 
Thank you to all families that have already contributed to our Annual Fund.  We greatly appreciate your support and commitment to our school.  As you know, we are striving for 100% participation.  We currently have 46% family participation and raised over $46,000.  If you have not made a contribution, please review the information below and help us move toward our annual fund goal.  Thank you.
 


We need 60 more families to donate to reach 60% participation and $60,000. If we do, we will earn a $5000 anonymous donation!
  
You can send a check in to the school with your child (memo line: Annual Fund) or donate online (and follow our progress) at www.exploris.org/giving/.

Enjoy reading all the interesting grade level highlights in the newsletter to find out more about the exciting learning taking place at Exploris.  Remember to update your calendars with the upcoming important dates.  Feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher or one of the administrative support team members if you have any questions or need assistance.  
 
I am excited to be celebrating Christmas with our family later this month and wish all of our Exploris families a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year.  Enjoy your winter break together with your family and friends!
 
All the best,
 
Ellie
 


Kindergarten

The Kindergarten crews enjoyed spending time with their 5th-grade mentors and learning about their Expedition projects.



 


First Grade

Fairy Tale STEM in action!  First graders created new, wind-powered carriages for Cinderella and then raced their creations!


 
Second Grade

Second Grade is learning how to map out businesses in our community. 



 
Third Grade

In third-grade, we have been learning about our Solar system. To finish the project we painted a planet to accompany our Captain's log. This is a piece of writing exploring what it would be like to visit one of the planets in the Solar system.


 
Fourth Grade

4th grade is very hands-on this year! This is a picture in math building arrays. They are conceptualizing multiplication facts, prime, composite, odd and even numbers!


Fifth Grade

5th grade prepared for their first Expedition Showcase by inviting their kindergarten mentees. 5th grade shared what they had learned about the weather with their friends and learned what last-minute tweaks they needed to do for our community showcase. 


 
Sixth Grade

Sixth-grade students use group-created Team Collaboration Protocols while working on their Origin Story puppet shows.  


 
Seventh Grade

Did you know that blue light affects your sleep? Or that carrots can be used to model broken bones?  To wrap up their study of human body systems, 7th Grade students learned about experimental design, conducted science fair experiments, and presented their research to the community at their fall showcase.



 
Eighth Grade

Right now the Exploris 8th graders are working on their DFC (Design For Change) projects. Design For Change is an environmental water quality projects that eighth-graders have to do to create change in their community. DFC has four stages: feel, imagine, do, and share. Right now we are focused on the Imagine stage which is when you come up with ideas for how you will create change. Riley, Ashley Glen, Jack, MaKaden, and Baker are eight graders participating in this project and their focus on Climate Change. They have created an energy pledge for every middle schooler to sign. It is important that we are knowledgeable of this so we can have a better, cleaner, and more sustainable future. Attached is their energy pledge, you are encouraged to sign it and try to make your home more energy-efficient!



 
Global Arts

During Elementary Art we have studied Yayoi Kusama and had fun with Liquid watercolors. 



In Middle school Art, we’ve been enjoying the beautiful fall weather, drawing all around the city. 


 
 

December 3rd 
Achievement Reports will be sent home

December 6th
Middle School Dance

December 12th
Prospective Family Night at Elementary at 6 pm

December 17th
Board Meeting at Middle at 4:30 pm

December 20th 
Early Dismissal at 12:15 pm – No Aftercare

December 23rd - January 3rd
Winter break - No school for students

January 3rd
Teacher Work Day 






Annual Fund -
Please support our school



 




Student and Parent Handbook 


 


 
 




 


Check out the PTO

 
Winter Thanks! 

Exploris PTO is coordinating our Teachers & Staff Winter Thanks. 
Please go to FAQ page  to find out more. This is a great (and easy) way to show appreciation to all teachers and staff. Check teachers gifts off your list, by simply clicking here.
 


Grade Level Blogs

1st Grade

3rd Grade

5th Grade

6th Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade


 
Strategic Plan
Giving!
Copyright © 2019 The Exploris School, All rights reserved.
 

The Exploris School is a diverse learning
community that engages students in a
challenging, relevant, relationship-based
education. Through experiential, project-based
learning we empower students to
foster a just and sustainable world.



Our mailing address is:
Middle School   401 Hillsborough Street  Raleigh, NC  27603
Elementary School   17 S. Swain St.  Raleigh, NC  27601
Middle School (919)715-3690 * Elementary School (919)715-0333



Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

 






This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
The Exploris School · 401 Hillsborough St · Raleigh, NC 27603-1792 · USA

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp